Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has recommended that the Portuguese national team should consider benching their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
Despite Ronaldo’s impressive goal-scoring record and status as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, Merson suggests that the team should adopt a cautious approach by keeping him on the bench until they secure qualification from the group stages.
Merson’s advice comes amidst discussions about Portugal’s squad composition and their chances at the tournament. He emphasized Portugal’s experienced yet aging squad, particularly highlighting their defensive strength led by players like Pepe and Ruben Dias, as well as their talented midfield featuring players like Bruno Fernandes. Merson believes that Portugal’s mix of experience and skill should enable them to perform well at Euro 2024.
Portugal, managed by Roberto Martinez, will aim to replicate their success from Euro 2016, where they clinched their first European Championship title. However, recent tournament exits, including a last-16 defeat at Euro 2020 and a quarter-final exit at the World Cup in Qatar, have raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
The Portuguese squad boasts several key players from top clubs, including Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot from Manchester United, as well as Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign kicks off on June 18 against the Czech Republic, followed by matches against Turkey and Georgia in Group F.
