Former Arsenal player, Gael Clichy, has suggested that Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, may be hindering the team’s performance following their disappointing draw against DR Congo in the opening match of their World Cup campaign.
Prior to the tournament, Portugal was considered one of the frontrunners to secure the World Cup title, yet they encountered difficulties in their initial game against the underdog, DR Congo.
Roberto Martinez’s team appeared poised for an easy victory when Joao Neves scored with a header just seven minutes into the match.
However, Portugal could not capitalize on their lead, allowing DR Congo to net their first World Cup goal through a header from Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa.
The iconic striker, Ronaldo equaled Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s record by participating in his sixth World Cup, but he fell short of becoming the first player ever to score in six different tournaments.
Clichy opines that Ronaldo’s presence in the forward position has led to Portugal not playing in a ‘natural’ manner and suggested that the team might improve if the 41-year-old were to be removed from the lineup.
He said on BBC One, “We said at the beginning of the game that Cristiano Ronaldo will be helping young players because of his character, because of his experience, but sometimes unconsciously those kinds of players can take too much light.
“When you take them out you can see players take responsibility. This is where the choices of the manager are important because during 90 minutes we were saying will he take him out because we know he has a goal in him.
“But at the same time, the game is not natural because of him being on the pitch. They tried to go wide because they tried to reach him. Maybe if he wasn’t there they can link up more in the middle of the pitch.
“Overall I think it was a great point for DR Congo. I think they played a very good game.
“Portugal will be questioning different choices from Roberto Martinez. But well done to DR Congo because they could’ve won the game.”