"If they can do that, the country can go far" - Dwight Yorke explains how Portugal can get best out of Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024
Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has detailed a way by which Portugal can get the best out of iconic captain Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024. The Al-Nassr forward is on duty with the national team in Germany, where he hopes to lead them to a second European Championship title.
Much has been said about the age of Ronaldo, seeing as he is 39 and in the twilight of his professional career. After scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances for Al-Nassr, however, Roberto Martinez knew better than to drop the forward from the squad for the Euros.
Cristiano Ronaldo has featured heavily in his country's first two games in Germany, helping them record two wins and seal a place in the knockout stages. The forward has yet to open his goalscoring account in the competition, with an assist to his name so far.
Yorke spoke to Best Online Poker Sites about the situation surrounding his fellow ex-Manchester United man, detailing a way for the manager to get the most out of him. The Trinidad and Tobago legend advised that the forward be less involved in the general play and be allowed to strut his stuff in the box more:
"At the age of 39 years old, you naturally won't be as influential in a game as you once were. Cristiano Ronaldo has to accept this, he's always been number one, even though he's had a prolific season at his age, Roberto Martinez has to tell him to stay central and not come out wide like he used to do."
"Portugal have to get the ball into the penalty area, and if they can do that, the country can go far in the competition," he added.
Ronaldo will get a chance to add to his 130 international goals and become the oldest goalscorer in the history of the Euros when his team faces Georgia. With qualification already secured, he will be able to play more relaxed.
Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start against Georgia in Euro 2024 Group F finale
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for his country when they take on Georgia in their final Group F game of Euro 2024. The 39-year-old will make his third successive start of the tournament.
Portugal have secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 following wins over the Czech Republic and Turkiye. Roberto Martinez's side have scored five times and conceded just once in the competition this summer, with Ronaldo assisting once.
Martinez confirmed in his press conference ahead of the game that the forward will start against Georgia alongside goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The manager will make nine changes to his side for the game as he looks to finish the group stage with a 100% record.