"He is the guy who makes our team tick" - Jose Fonte names most important players apart from Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe in Portugal team
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte named the most important players aside from captain Cristiano Ronaldo and centre-back Pepe in his nation's squad at EURO 2024. The 40-year-old specifically named Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Vitinha as the player who made Roberto Martinez's side 'tick'.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign with PSG in the 2023-24 season. He racked up nine goals and five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, helping his side win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-final.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to Martinez's squad for the European Championship. He made four appearances at the tournament, being a creative influence and dictating the play from the centre of the park.
Besides Vitinha, Fonte named Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias as important players in the Portugal squad. On an episode of Legends Lounge on the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel, Fonte listed the key men for A Selecao, saying:
"We can speak about Bruno (Fernandes), Bernardo Silva. Vitinha is someone nobody is really talking about, but he is the guy who makes our team tick.
"There's so much talent (in the Portugal team apart from Ronaldo and Pepe). Bernardo, Bruno, Vitinha, then you have Cristiano up front. You have (Rafael) Leao (in attack), Ruben Dias at the back. (Joao) Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, who is an unbelievable talent."
Despite the individual contributions, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal fell short at EURO 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal endured a topsy-turvy campaign at EURO 2024, ultimately failing to replicate their success in the 2016 edition.
Roberto Martinez's side won their opener against Czechia thanks to a last-gasp winner from Porto's Francisco Conceicao (2-1). They then cruised to a 3-0 victory over Turkiye in their second game, securing their status as winners of Group F.
Martinez rotated his side heavily for the game against Georgia but kept Ronaldo in the lineup. However, the 39-year-old failed to have an impact on the game as his side fell to a 2-0 defeat.
In their Round of 16 matchup against Slovenia, Portugal were handed a golden chance to take the lead in the form of a penalty in the 104th minute. Attempting to open his own account for the tournament, the Al-Nassr forward stepped up to the spot but was denied by Jan Oblak.
The sides were deadlocked after 120 minutes, but Portugal managed to survive a nervy penalty shootout thanks to goalkeeper Diogo Costa's heroics. Costa saved all three opposition penalties to ensure a 3-0 win for his side, with Ronaldo scoring the opening spot-kick for his nation.
However, in the quarter-final against France, the tables turned. After another goalless draw, Portugal were knocked out 5-3 on penalties, with substitute Joao Felix being the only player to miss a spot-kick.
Ronaldo remained goalless throughout the five games at EURO 2024. His only goal contribution was an assist for Bruno Fernandes' goal (56') against Turkiye (3-0).