Portugal will be up against Liechtenstein in their latest challenge in their Euro qualifier campaign. However, the team has a massive change in their playing eleven as the side has benched Cristiano Ronaldo. The Lusos have been in top form so far in the qualifiers and might have rested their talisman against a weaker opposition. Cristiano has been on a packed schedule, with the player pulling double duty for Al Nassr and his national side.

Roberto Martinez is enjoying his honeymoon phase in charge of the Portuguese national side. The side has won their last eight games under the manager and will look to take the tally to nine against Liechtenstein. While fans will be disappointed with the manager’s decision to bench Ronaldo, the choice seems the best decision at the moment.

Why Roberto Martinez must drop Cristiano Ronaldo for Liechtenstein game

The media was full of speculations following Roberto Martinez’s recent statement in his latest press conference. When the Portuguese manager was asked about his playing eleven, Martinez remained coy. Notwithstanding, he added that it matters little if he plays Ronaldo.

While one might think this is an odd decision, the manager should likely stick to the decision. Cristiano played rigorously for the past few weeks, and it is crucial to manage his workload. The player has consecutive games for Al Nassr on the horizon and would like to remain fit for the decisive fixtures. The player will be packed with fixtures for Al Nassr just days after the international break.

Al Nassr will face Al Hilal this month in what could be a deciding fixture for the Saudi Pro League title. The two sides are contesting for the top spot on the SPL points table. Cristiano and his side are currently placed second and a win over their opponents will propel them to the top of the table.

Apart from his club fixtures, Portugal has a key game against Iceland on the horizon. The side will hope that their top scorer is on top of his game for the encounter and receives ample rest. Iceland could pose an enormous threat to the side, with the team functioning as a solid defensive unit so far in their campaign.

Liechtenstein is the perfect opponent to give the player a much-needed rest. It will also serve as an opportunity for the manager to test his bench strength. The side has been in substantial form in their ongoing campaign, and Martinez would love to analyze all his options before the major tournament.

READ MORE: Portugal Coach Refuses To Help Cristiano Ronaldo Becoming the Top Scorer In the European Qualifiers- “That’s Not Our Goal”

Portugal looking to go nine in nine under Roberto Martinez

The Lusos have emerged as one of the top contenders for the Euro Cup title. Portugal has been unbeaten so far during the qualifiers under newly appointed Roberto Martinez. The side has bagged eight wins in eight games and will look to grasp their ninth consecutive win.

Martinez’s attacking approach has produced phenomenal results for the Portuguese side. The team boasts an average of four goals per game, currently the join-highest across the continent. When it comes to their defense, Portugal has been an absolute fortress. The side has maintained a clean sheet in seven of their last eight games.

It will be interesting to see how the side performs without their talisman. What do you think of Roberto Martinez’s decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo? Let us know in the comments below.

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