Portugal have so much more than Cristiano Ronaldo in attack - 7M sport

Portugal have so much more than Cristiano Ronaldo in attack



Posted Sunday, June 06, 2021 by Marca.com

Portugal have so much more than Cristiano Ronaldo in attack

When Portugal lifted the European Championship trophy in 2016, they did so with only four strikers in the squad, but fortunately, one was Cristiano Ronaldo.

He only scored three goals, but he led the way from the front, providing another three assists, but knowing that his team-mates in attack aren't up to the same standard.

Lille striker Eder, the hero in the final against France, has only scored three international goals, while then 29-year-old Nani and 32-year-old Ricardo Quaresma were both playing in Turkey and past their best.

Portugal have so much more than Cristiano Ronaldo in attack
Bruno Fernandes and Rodri

In 2021, it's true that Cristiano Ronaldo is not the player he once was, but he remains this side's leader and even in a disappointing season this year, he scored 36 goals in 44 games.

With the national team, it's another story. In 10 games with Portugal since the pandemic began, he has scored only four goals, with only one in his last six.

Fortunately for the Juventus man, he has plenty of goalscorers around him. Where no forward was younger than 28 in 2016, in 2021, the only man over the age of 25 is Cristiano.

Plenty of options

Joao Felix is the prodigy, the youngest forward in the squad and Atletico Madrid's star, who sits deeper and wider to create chances for Cristiano.

Unable to get into the team with Ronaldo playing through the middle, Andre Silva has gone under the radar this season, finishing the second highest scorer in Bundesliga, ahead of Erling Haaland, with 28 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Portugal have so much more than Cristiano Ronaldo in attack
Alvaro Morata and Sergio Busquets with Joao Felix

Twenty-four-year-old Diogo Jota has excelled since moving to Liverpool, scoring 13, and brings pace and width, while Goncalo Guedes of Valencia is also an exciting option from the bench.

Even in midfield, Sporting CP attacker Pedro Goncalves made his debut against Spain on Friday after scoring 23 goals on the way to the Liga NOS title, and Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes has scored 28 goals.

Add in Champions League finalist Bernardo Silva and Ligue 1 winner Renato Sanches, and Fernando Santos has quite the attacking arsenal.

Defence comes first

His tactics continue to revolve around a defence-first focus, where veterans Pepe and Jose Fonte seem likely to be first choice, and there isn't such a plethora of young talent.

At times, such as against Spain, Portugal have struggled to click in attack, but when they do, they are a very strong side.

In the Nations League, they put seven goals past Croatia and a further five beyond Sweden between blanks against France, showing their potential.

Having done it before with a much less talented squad, Santos may be a dark horse to lead Portugal to a second consecutive title.



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.