It’s interesting how one can go from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. Cristiano Ronaldo is no exception to this situation amidst his lackluster form in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024. Once the apple of many eyes, the Portuguese skipper has turned into a villain, even in his own country. In fact, his manager Roberto Martinez has been urged to bench CR7 because “Portugal are better without him.”

Since the tournament began, there have been no signs of the Al Nassr star showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. Looking at his form, ESPN journalist Mark Ogden believes that it’s time Os Navegadores move on from Ronaldo. The writer considers that age 39 has made the former Real Madrid star less mobile and his longest-ever goal drought in the last six tournament games is a testament to that fact. Instead, Ogden claims that Martinez can get the best out of the legendary striker by using him as an impact substitute.

While it’s unlikely that the ex-Belgium boss will bench the No. 7, the pundit asserted that the least Martinez could do is pair him with Goncalo Ramos up front. Yet, Ogden was adamant that Ronaldo might be holding the team up. “Portugal for me has got all the attributes to go all the way. They’re quite tough as well. They kind of underestimated how tough they can be, but Ronaldo is now a hindrance rather than a help,” he added.

It remains to see whether Martinez will decide to keep Ronaldo on the bench against Georgia tomorrow. However, it is possible that the new Portugal boss may become the reason for the 2016 winner’s downfall.

Roberto Martinez termed the ‘biggest obstacle’ for Portugal winning the UEFA Euro 2024

Before Mark Ogden, another journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray made a shocking claim regarding the Portugal boss: “He’s [Roberto Martinez] shown that he can simplify his game but as the tournament continues, I worry that he’s going to overthink some things,” said Miguel. The commentator insists that he has no doubts over the quality and depth of the squad Portugal possesses in the tournament.

However, Miguel is worried about Martinez, who may over-analyze playing his side a rather straightforward game. “Roberto Martinez to me is the biggest obstacle in Portugal winning the Euros,” he added. Indeed, this is quite a bold claim from the ESPN journalist. Portugal may have done a good job so far but there’s still a long way to go if they wish to end their 8-year exile to bring the trophy back.

However, for now, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is whether Portugal will decide to ditch Cristiano Ronaldo and try things without him in the picture. Only time will tell.