Cristiano Ronaldo's domineering presence in the Portugal squad is in danger of overshadowing the likes of Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo's domination of set-pieces at Euro 2024 is becoming an issue due to the captain's habit of firing them into the crowd.
Despite being a dead-ball expert, Fernandes has been reduced to a spectator role while Ronaldo, who missed a crucial penalty against Slovenia before redeeming himself in the shootout, continues to command the spotlight. With Portugal gearing up for a tantalising quarter-final clash against France, the debate is intensifying over whether Ronaldo's star power is eclipsing the team's collective brilliance.
Pundits Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards have reached a consensus on The Rest Is Football podcast that it's high time Ronaldo shared the set-piece duties to bolster Portugal's bid for another European triumph. Shearer highlighted the wealth of talent within the team, saying: "He's got team-mates who are brilliant at free-kicks."
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Richards chimed in, adding: "It is hard to say to Ronaldo, 'I'm taking free-kicks'." Lineker highlighted Ronaldo's less-than-stellar free-kick track record and said: "It is almost impossible, despite the fact his record is something like one in 60 that he's scored in tournaments.
"Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker and a more varied free-kick taker than Ronaldo. So while he's [Ronaldo] a massive strength, he can also be a weakness as well.
"Nothing against Cristiano because what an unbelievable player. I was watching him and his movement in the box is absolutely perfect. He does it better than anybody else I've ever seen as a nine, the way he goes forward one way, then the other way. He does it with a sharpness."
Lineker suggested Ronaldo's personality could prove the biggest issue for Portugal and their boss, Roberto Martinez. The Match of the Day presenter added: "It's more the ego side of him which is more of a weakness, probably for himself, Portugal and Roberto.
"As a manager, you know you've got someone whose powers are waning and he's 39, but he's still Cristiano Ronaldo. He's a superstar. He is almost the most famous person on the planet, not just as a footballer."
