Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult World Cup opening game and has since seen his role with Portugal questioned, as plenty feel as though he is having a negative influence
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't scored in 10 major tournament games for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't scored in 10 major tournament games for Portugal
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Paul Scholes has admitted that he privately told Roberto Martinez that Cristiano Ronaldo was going to be become a problem for Portugal, with his selection dominating their World Cup so far.
Ronaldo, now 41, led the line for the Portuguese as they were held by DR Congo in their opening game. Ronaldo failed to get on the scoresheet as his goalless run in major tournaments was extended to a tenth game.
The veteran missed chances to win the game for Portugal, but his style and the subsequent impact on the team has been cited as an issue for Martinez. The former Belgium boss has defended the five-time Ballon d'Or but Scholes previously had a frank conversation with him.
The duo did a podcast together, where the Manchester United icon made his feelings clear, and maintained that no one north of 40 should be starting in an outfield position.
Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: "I did a Stick To Football with Roberto Martinez and I ask him off camera 'Is he a problem for you?' I feel he is a little bit of a problem."
John Barnes then came in and said: "He negatively impacts on the rest of the players in terms of what they have to give, because they feel they've got to pass to him, they've got to do that."
Scholes finished by saying: "There's only position on the pitch you should be start a game at 41 years of age, and that's goalkeeper."
Martinez defended Ronaldo in the aftermath of another blank and questioned why he would haul off the sport's best goalscorer as Portugal sought a winning goal. "It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals," he told reporters.
Paul Scholes has had his doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
Paul Scholes has had his doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal(Image: YouTube/The Overlap)
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"For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important, the way that we can use the space is important. And every player has a responsibility or a piece of quality on the pitch. And clearly when you look for goals, you need to have Cristiano."
The stats from Portugal's opener don't paint a pretty picture for Ronaldo. Opta reported that the Al-Nassr star registered just 25 touches during the 90 minutes, his lowest-ever tally in a major tournament match where he played the full duration.
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