Ronaldo is no longer the fast player he once was, but he's still lethal in the box and that's what he needs to maximise at the World Cup' Maniche on how Cristiano Ronaldo can succeed this summer

"Cristiano and Portugal need to understand each other. He's no longer the fast player he once was, he can't do three things at a time any more, but he's still lethal in the box, and that's what he needs to maximise. The team needs to provide him with those opportunities, because he hasn't forgotten how to score. Even if he wants to be more involved in the build-up,"

"The quality of centre-backs at a World Cup is high, which may explain why he hasn't been as decisive in major tournaments, Maniche tells FourFourTwo. But I'm convinced that when Cristiano doesn't play, Portugal suffer."

"He's no longer the fast player he once was, he can't do three things at a time any more, but he's still lethal in the box, and that's what he needs to maximise."

Cristiano Ronaldo, approaching 41 and aiming for a 12th major tournament this summer, has seen declining returns at recent internationals, scoring only once at the 2022 World Cup and none from 23 shots at Euro 2024. Former teammate Maniche urges that Portugal should not move on from the 226-capped forward but adapt around him, arguing the team weakens without him. Maniche notes Ronaldo has lost pace and multitasking ability but remains lethal inside the penalty area. Clear tactical roles and team provision of scoring opportunities are recommended to maximize his effectiveness for upcoming tournaments.

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