Louis Saha, a former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, has expressed concerns that the Portuguese superstar needs to be 'saved from himself' ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Saha believes that Ronaldo's persistent desire to compete with younger, in-form players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, and his ongoing pursuit of individual records, are beginning to negatively impact Portugal's overall team performance.
The former striker suggests that Ronaldo's presence on the field, while driven by his immense ambition, may be limiting the team's tactical flexibility and hindering their ability to press effectively and maintain a high tempo throughout matches.
Following a recent disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo, questions have arisen regarding manager Roberto Martinez's perceived favouritism towards Ronaldo, with some critics suggesting it might be detrimental to the team's strategic options.
Adding to the criticism, Thierry Henry also weighed in, specifically pointing out Ronaldo's 'selfish' movements during a game. Henry highlighted a particular moment where Ronaldo's positioning inadvertently blocked a teammate who had a clear opportunity to score, underscoring the potential negative impact on team cohesion.
Despite these candid observations and critiques, Saha holds onto a hopeful vision for Ronaldo's career. He expressed a desire for the Portuguese icon to have a fairytale ending to his illustrious career, potentially culminating in a World Cup victory.
Saha also touched upon the ongoing debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, suggesting that it is a discussion that may never be definitively settled. He believes that the continued presence and competition between these two legendary figures ultimately benefit the sport of football as a whole.
Ultimately, Saha's comments serve as a call for a strategic re-evaluation of Ronaldo's role within the Portuguese national team, balancing his individual brilliance with the collective needs of the squad to achieve their ultimate goals.
