“Either leave him out the squad, or play him” - Michael Owen offers bold advice on Cristiano Ronaldo to Portugal boss Roberto Martinez
In an interview with Sportskeeda, English legend Michael Owen has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to step up to the plate for Portugal at UEFA Euro 2024. Ronaldo's place in Portugal's starting eleven has been called into question on a few occasions over the past week, with the Iberian giants also boasting an impressive bench.
According to Michael Owen, however, Portugal could use the abilities of their superstar against some of Europe's best teams.
"You’ve picked Ronaldo, you chose him in your squad. As soon as you do that, you have to play him. Ronaldo has done this for years and years, he’s proven himself. Just because he has two or three games where he’s a little more quiet, you can’t have a different opinion of him now. He’s still amazing, still one of the best goalscorers on the planet. Nothing changes, he’s still great."
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time against Slovenia but made amends with a successful penalty during the shoot-out. Portugal have managed to qualify for the quarterfinals, and Owen has lauded Ronaldo's penalty credentials ahead of their match against France.
"You’d still want the ball at Ronaldo's feet in front of goal. And if there’s a penalty in the last minute of the Euro final, who do you want out of anybody in the world to take that penalty? You want Ronaldo. Once Roberto Martinez picks him in the squad, he’d be foolish not to play him. Either leave him out the squad, or play him - one or the other. You can’t have him as a substitute."
"Not an impact substitute" - Michael Owen calls on Roberto Martinez to start Ronaldo
Portugal have plenty of quality on the bench and have one of the most impressive squads in the tournament. The likes of Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao came off the bench against Slovenia and will be pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
"Personally, I would continue to start Ronaldo. I don’t necessarily think he is an impact player. With certain substitutes, they can come on and change the game through energy and speed. I don't think he would necessarily be better against a tiring team. He's not an impact-substitute type of player. So personally, I would start him."
Portugal will be up against a formidable France team in the quarterfinals and have their work cut out for them on Friday (5 June). With the impressive Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, however, they will back themselves to pull off a heist.
The UEFA Euro 2024 is being broadcast LIVE on Sony LIV, and the same is available in 6 different languages including features such as LIVE Stats & Star Cams – that allow you to follow your favourite player on the field while the game is going on.