Former England Player Slams Ronaldo: 'He Must Realize He Needs to Come Off the Bench'

Former English footballer and Sky Sports analyst Jay Bothroyd has sharply criticized Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting the Portuguese star should embrace a substitute role. Following Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo, Bothroyd argued that Ronaldo is becoming a hindrance to his national team.

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I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and realize he has to be a player who comes off the bench and makes a change.

"I have to be honest. I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and realize he has to be a player who comes off the bench and makes a change," Bothroyd stated. He questioned whether such a scenario would occur, noting that Ronaldo "looks like everything is about him." Bothroyd acknowledged Ronaldo's extraordinary career and his ability to maximize his potential through self-care and evolution as a player.

However, Bothroyd believes Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez is making a mistake by not addressing Ronaldo's role. "He is currently becoming more of a hindrance to Portugal than a help and I think Martinez is making a mistake there," Bothroyd said. He pointed out that while Ronaldo is one of the world's top scorers, he contributes little else when not scoring, unlike players like Harry Kane who would press defenders and link play.

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He is currently becoming more of a hindrance to Portugal than a help and I think Martinez is making a mistake there.

The analysis highlights a growing debate about Ronaldo's impact on the current Portuguese squad as the team navigates its matches.

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if he does not score, he does nothing else. He will not run, press defenders, drop deep to collect the ball and link play like Harry Kane or someone similar might.