Cristiano Ronaldo backed to 'take Portugal a long way' at Euro 2024 despite playing at 'different level' with Al-Nassr - but CR7 also sent surprise Bruno Fernandes Golden Boot warning

Posted Wednesday, June 05, 2024 by Goal.com

Harry Redknapp believes that Cristiano Ronaldo can take Portugal a "long way" at Euro 2024, despite now playing at a "different level" with Al-Nassr.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Portugal's dependency on Ronaldo's goals has eased over the last few years, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner even benched for the majority of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by then-boss Fernando Santos. After the tournament, Santos was shown the door and under Roberto Martinez, the Al-Nassr forward has seen more action for his country while leading by example as captain. Ex-Tottenham manager Redknapp believes that Ronaldo can help Portugal make a strong run in Germany, but has also warned that Bruno Fernandes might beat him to the Golden Boot.

WHAT REDKNAPP SAID
Speaking to BetVictor, Redknapp said: "The team that interests me is Portugal. I think they've got a lot of good players. You look at their squad and there's some real quality there so they're definitely one to keep an eye on for me. Apart from England, they'd be my next pick.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously now playing at a slightly different level to before, out in Saudi Arabia, but he's an amazing athlete and he's still as fit as a fiddle because he looks after himself so well. I can see him scoring goals at the tournament and I can see him taking Portugal a long way this year.

"I also think Bruno Fernandes could be fantastic value for the Golden Boot award – he will score goals. He won't take penalties because I suppose Ronaldo will grab the ball, but I'd definitely have an interest in him at a big price for the Golden Boot."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Going into the tournament, Portugal are not considered favourites, however, a run into the knockout stages could see the tables change with the unpredictability of single-legged fixtures, as was the case at Euro 2016, when Portugal won the tournament despite being in underwhelming form.

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
Portugal's all-time top-scorer has been in very good form over the course of the season with Al-Nassr, breaking the record for the most goals in a single Saudi Pro League season. Fernandes was similarly influential at Manchester United, and the duo will hope that they can conjure up some magic in Germany and win the tournament.