Paul Scholes: ‘It’s not right’ for Ronaldo’s World Cup Role After Portugal Stumble
It s not right – Paul Scholes has voiced his belief that it’s not right for Cristiano Ronaldo to continue leading Portugal’s attack in the World Cup, following the team’s lackluster performance in their opening group-stage match. The former Manchester United midfielder, who played alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner during his six-year stint at Old Trafford, highlighted this concern during a recent podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Football. Scholes argued that Ronaldo’s role as a centre-forward is becoming increasingly outdated as he ages, suggesting that the manager should consider repositioning him for better results. Portugal’s failure to capitalize on their early dominance against DR Congo has fueled this debate, with fans questioning whether the veteran striker is the right fit for the team’s current needs.
Ronaldo’s Struggles in the Match
Portugal’s match against DR Congo in Houston was a rollercoaster of emotions, beginning with a promising lead before crumbling under pressure. Joao Neves opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but Portugal’s momentum quickly faded. The hosts, despite controlling the game for most of the first half, were unable to convert their advantage into a win, ending the match in a draw. This underwhelming display was particularly notable for Ronaldo, who remained quiet throughout, failing to register a single shot on goal. Scholes emphasized that it’s not right to expect the same level of performance from a 41-year-old striker, especially in high-stakes matches that demand quick decisions and tactical adaptability.
While Ronaldo is a legendary scorer, his movement and physicality have been questioned in recent games. Scholes pointed out that it’s not right to rely solely on his goal-scoring ability when the team needs a dynamic playmaker to drive forward. The former midfielder compared Ronaldo’s performance to that of Luka Modric, who, at 40, delivered a standout display in the same tournament. This contrast has raised concerns about whether Portugal’s strategy is misaligned with Ronaldo’s current capabilities. As the World Cup progresses, the manager’s decision to keep Ronaldo in a central role may be putting the team at a disadvantage.
Scholes on Manager’s Dilemma
Scholes acknowledged that it’s not right to dismiss Ronaldo outright, given his status as one of the greatest players of all time. However, he stressed that the manager must weigh the risks of relying on him in critical moments. “It’s not right to have a player who is struggling in transition still playing in that role,” Scholes said. The former United star also criticized Roberto Martinez for not adjusting Ronaldo’s position, despite his lackluster showing. Martinez, who has embraced the challenge of managing a star-studded squad, remains torn between using Ronaldo’s experience and allowing younger players to take over when the team needs fresh energy.
“It’s not right to force a player into a position where they’re not performing at their best,” Scholes added. The debate has intensified after Portugal’s performance, with many suggesting that a tactical shift could help the team move forward. Scholes believes that the manager should prioritize players like Modric, who have shown they can thrive even in later stages of tournaments. The former midfielder’s comments reflect the growing consensus that it’s not right to expect Ronaldo to carry the entire team’s offensive burden, especially when alternatives are available.
Despite the criticism, Ronaldo remains a vital figure for Portugal. His experience and leadership are undeniably valuable, but as the World Cup progresses, the team’s strategy will need to evolve. Scholes’ analysis has sparked renewed discussions about the role of aging superstars in modern football, with many agreeing that it’s not right to keep them in positions where they can’t perform effectively. The manager’s choice to retain Ronaldo may ultimately decide whether Portugal can advance beyond the group stage, or if it’s not right to rely on his diminishing form in key moments.
