As Portugal prepare for 2026 World Cup, one mata dey worry fans and pundits alike: wetin be role of Cristiano Ronaldo for this team? Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor don tok say na only if Ronaldo fit accept bench role before Portugal go win the trophy.
Portugal enter tournament as one of the favourites, with squad wey get plenty talent from midfield to attack. Manager Roberto Martíne no dey short of options, but still, all eyes dey on Ronaldo. Agbonlahor, wey dey talk for TalkSPORT, make am clear: “I don’t think he should start. I look at Portugal, I look at the players wey dem get, I look at other strikers. Ronaldo.”
According to Agbonlahor, Portugal get better attacking options now, like Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Francisco Conceicao. These players fit stretch defence for modern game. But Ronaldo still get role, just not as starter. “But when it isn’t going well, take him off. That’s the only problem I’ve got with it. If you are going to start him and it’s not working, 55-60 minutes off. He’s not holding the ball up. He’s coming too deep and trying to play a number 10.”
At 41 years old, even one of football greatest athletes dey feel age. Portugal need find balance between respecting legend and maximising team. For first time in nearly two decades, Portugal golden generation extend beyond Ronaldo. Team get world-class players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Diogo Costa. Many analysts believe this be most complete Portuguese squad since UEFA Euro 2016.
Agbonlahor compare am with Lionel Messi: “CR7, for whatever people think, he’s past his best. End of story. But it’s ego, isn’t it? Cristiano Ronaldo, you could say, is bigger than Portugal. Well, he is. Messi, his biggest rival this generation, has won the World Cup. Messi scored a hat-trick in his first game. Ronaldo’s thinking, I can do that.”
Messi triumph with Argentina for 2022 World Cup complete one of greatest careers. For Ronaldo, this tournament likely be final chance to win major trophy wey don elude am. Agbonlahor believe solution simple: “If his ego can be tamed, Portugal have a chance. If he demands that he starts every game – he has got that power – I don’t see Portugal winning this World Cup.”
Whether that assessment correct, time go tell. Ronaldo experience and leadership no fit dismiss. But World Cups often won by teams wey make difficult decisions. If Martínez find balance, Portugal fit claim ultimate prize. If not, another talented generation go leave World Cup wondering wetin could have been.
Paul Scholes also don admit say Ronaldo be “problem” for Portugal after disappointing draw against DR Congo. The Manchester United legend claim say Ronaldo go be “so pissed off” to see Messi score hat-trick for Argentina opener against Algeria.
