Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements can never be undermined, but with the team being paramount, personal records can take the back seat. And now the soccer star is struggling to convince experts of his position in the team despite some incredible numbers. On the other hand, Portugal seems to be doing well despite the talisman’s absence. The Navigators lost just 1 out of the last 20 games in which Ronaldo did not feature for them. Therefore, this led experts to raise doubts about his significance in the team especially after yesterday’s loss against Slovenia.

The Navigators won their first friendly against Sweden 5-2, and this led senior TV pundit, Jeff Stelling to sideline Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in their squad. In a discussion on talkSPORT with Ally McCoist Stelling said, “I’m Not Sure He’s a Certain Starter. I know that causes issues in it someway.” The statement was a response to McCoist who felt, it would be, “interesting to see what they do with Ronaldo,” citing the strength of the Portuguese squad without him.

Portugal will go into 2024 Euros as one of the favorites, but Stelling felt that other players make it stronger than Ronaldo currently. The Englishman earlier stated, “That Portuguese side, they battered Sweden. In the side you know, Ruben Diaz and Paulinho, Nunes, Bruno of course, Bernardo Silva, Leo. It’s some side,” praising its players.  But CR7’s presence is considered a hindrance as McCoist reminded their 2022 World Cup campaign as an example.

Moreover, Ronaldo’s arrival to the national team after a holiday and Portugal’s shocking 2-0 loss to 55th-placed Slovenia has added fuel to the discussion. Nevertheless, the Al Nassr star’s contribution leading to Euros cannot be undermined. CR7 scored 10 goals in the qualifiers and led Portugal to top Group J undefeated. In addition, irrespective of anyone’s thoughts CR7 forms the main part of Roberto Martinez’s team.

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Many pundits don’t see Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation to be active like before. Even Kevin Hatchard who was also on the show with Stelling was surprised to see the Portuguese coach entrust Ronaldo as their prime player. He said that Martinez made ‘a really bold decision’ and also felt as if it was ‘the moment to kind of edge him to the side,’ and bring youngsters like Goncalo Ramos. Martinez himself is impressed with CR7 citing his hunger as a major factor in his success story.

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Earlier, even Frank Leboeuf felt that the former Real Madrid’s career was towards the end. Irrespective of his goals, pundits seem to be worried about the game tactics Ronaldo’s presence in the squad brings. Overall, it looks like the experts are counting on the next generation to carry Portugal. And if the team is more decentralized from Ronaldo maybe we could expect the pundits to be more considerate.

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