"He can't press, he doesn't have the legs" - Pundit explains why Portugal are a 'better team' without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI

CBS Sports pundit Geoff Shreeves has explained why Portugal are a better team without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI. The former reckons A Selecao are more fluid and mobile without Ronaldo due to his limited pressing.

Ronaldo has established himself as arguably the most consistent international player of all time and currently holds the records for both the most caps and goals. The Al-Nassr ace has been integral for Portugal over the years, recording 143 goals and 46 assists in 226 appearances across all competitions.

However, the 40-year-old's pressing and movement off the ball have drastically reduced in recent years, affecting how Portugal play as a team. The latter recently defeated Armenia 9-1 in the last round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (November 16). They looked impressive without Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed out due to suspension.

During a segment on CBS Sports Golazo, Shreeves was asked if he thought Portugal are a better side without Cristiano Ronaldo, to which he replied:

"They are a pressing team, he can't press, he doesn't have the legs. Do you remember in the 2022 World Cup under Fernando Santos, he dropped him and in comes your man Goncalo Ramos and he scores a hat-trick. Then that coach gets sacked, Roberto Martinez restores his place in the team. That was the chance."

He added:

"Also we're still awaiting what happens with his red card, if it's 2 games and Ronaldo misses the first game of the World Cup, that kind of makes the decision for Martinez, I do think they are a better team without him. I still think he can contribute, his aura, his personality is massive but they are more fluid and mobile (without him)."

Cristiano Ronaldo has helped Portugal win three trophies - Euro 2016, as well as the 2019 and 2025 editions of the UEFA Nations League.

---

"Cristiano is a role model for every football player in the world" - Sadio Mane makes honest admission on what it's like to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has waxed lyrical about Cristiano Ronaldo for his work ethic and mentality, labeling the latter as a role model for every footballer. Since joining Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, Mane has formed a formidable partnership with Ronaldo, gaining insights on what it's like to play and train alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

During a recent conversation with Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand, Mane stated (via Rio Ferdinand Presents h/t Sports Tak):

"Cristiano is a role model for every football player in the world. This is Cristiano, with his mentality, his passion for winning, and his high level of professionalism. I have never seen a player like him before."

He added:

"Before I knew him personally, I used to watch him on TV and read about him in the news, about his professionalism, mentality, and remarkable seriousness. And when I came here and met him, I found exactly the same thing. He's unbelievable, he works hard every single day and still has the desire to win and to give his best, even at the age of 40. You can see that he is a complete athlete in every sense of the word."

Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo have played alongside each other for 91 games across all competitions for Al-Nassr, combining for 16 goals. Both superstars are expected to feature in their next clash against Al-Khaleej (November 23).

Edited by Silas Sud