Cristiano Ronaldo may be moved to the bench for the Portugal national team

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, is seriously preparing for the final World Cup of his career. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

However, his role and importance within the team are once again causing heated debates. While the Al-Nassr striker aims to achieve the only missing victory in his vast collection of trophies, former US national team player Taylor Twellman made an unexpected statement.

Goal.com reports on this. According to Twellman, the star-studded squad available to Roberto Martinez ahead of the 2026 World Cup can only show its best performance if Cristiano Ronaldo remains on the bench.

The expert noted that the current squad is considered the strongest and most skilled team in the history of Portuguese football. He is convinced that without Ronaldo on the field, team movements will appear more effective and intense.

Supporters of playing without Ronaldo point to the immense depth of the Portugal national team. Unlike previous tournaments, the responsibility for scoring goals is no longer on the shoulders of just one player.

Alongside creative players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao, forwards such as Gonçalo Ramos and Pedro Neto are also capable of ensuring the team's offensive power. This allows the team's playing style to become more diverse.

The presence of world-class players like Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, and Joao Cancelo in the defensive line also makes Portugal a dangerous team for any opponent. Many specialists say the team should transition to a more modern, high-pressing style of football.

There are concerns that such a style may not suit the physical condition of the 41-year-old Ronaldo. This tournament will be a record-breaking sixth World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo.

While his eternal rival Lionel Messi arrives at the competition as the defending champion, Ronaldo wants to crown his great career with the world title. Roberto Martinez currently fully supports his captain and intends to rely on his vast experience in the group stage matches against opponents such as Uzbekistan, Colombia, and DR Congo.