Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to bench captain Cristiano Ronaldo in their first two games at the Euro 2024. Merson believes Martinez should secure qualification to the knockout stages before playing the Al-Nassr forward in their final group game.
The Euro 2024 will commence this Friday in Germany, with Portugal placed in Group F alongside Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia. Merson’s comments come as the footballing world anticipates the tournament’s start and speculates on Portugal’s strategy.
Speaking about Portugal’s chances of winning the tournament, Merson told Sportskeeda, “Portugal are an aging team but they have a lot of experience within the squad. Ronaldo is still their captain and banging in the goals in Saudi Arabia, but I think they will see what he is like in the camp and take a call on his selection. I would personally leave him out of the first two games and get qualification sorted before bringing him back for the final encounter.”
Merson's suggestion reflects a strategic approach aimed at balancing the team’s experience and Ronaldo’s current form. At 39 years old, Ronaldo continues to perform impressively for Al-Nassr, but his role in international tournaments has become a topic of debate given his age and the physical demands of top-level competition.
Portugal's manager Roberto Martinez faces a challenging decision. On one hand, Ronaldo’s leadership and goal-scoring ability are invaluable assets. On the other, relying too heavily on an aging star could pose risks, especially with the rigorous schedule of a major tournament. Merson’s advice suggests using Ronaldo’s experience strategically, ensuring the team’s progression to the knockout stages before deploying their captain in a decisive role.
Portugal’s squad, while experienced, must navigate a competitive group. Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia each present unique challenges, and Portugal’s approach to these matches will be crucial. Merson’s proposed strategy of securing early qualification allows for flexibility and the potential to rest key players, including Ronaldo, for later stages where his impact could be most significant.
Merson’s comments also highlight a broader consideration for managers dealing with veteran players in major tournaments. Balancing experience and youth, managing player fitness, and making tactical decisions based on current form versus historical performance are critical aspects of tournament football. Martinez’s handling of Ronaldo will be a focal point, not just for Portugal but for observers and analysts worldwide.
The anticipation for Euro 2024 is high, with fans eager to see how Portugal and other top teams perform. For Portugal, the combination of experienced veterans like Ronaldo and emerging talents will determine their success. Merson’s suggestion offers one pathway, prioritizing team dynamics and strategic deployment of key players to maximize Portugal’s chances.
As the tournament unfolds, the decisions made by Martinez regarding Ronaldo will be scrutinized. The balance between respecting the contributions of a legendary player and optimizing team performance is delicate. Merson’s recommendation to bench Ronaldo initially could be seen as pragmatic, allowing the team to adapt and potentially flourish without immediate reliance on their iconic captain.
Paul Merson’s call for Portugal to bench Cristiano Ronaldo in the initial group games of Euro 2024 reflects a strategic consideration aimed at balancing experience with tactical flexibility.
By securing early qualification, Portugal can potentially leverage Ronaldo’s abilities in critical moments later in the tournament. As Euro 2024 kicks off, all eyes will be on how Roberto Martinez manages his squad, with Ronaldo’s role being a central storyline in Portugal’s quest for glory.
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