Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini said in an interview with Sky Sports that Cristiano Ronaldo did not find the right partner at the Euros, and Rafael Leao was not his ideal partner.
Ronaldo was one of the most disappointing stars in the group stage of this European Championship. He failed to score in three matches and only provided one assist. Many believe that Ronaldo’s decline is due to age.
But Chiellini has a different opinion. He believes that Ronaldo played well at the Euros, the problem lies in how coach Roberto Martínez arranged his partners. Chiellini believes that Leao and Ronaldo are “incompatible”.
Chiellini said: “I liked Ronaldo’s performance against Czech Republic and Turkey. I think he was more useful to Portugal than Gonçalo Ramos.”
Chiellini pointed out: “I don’t think Leao is his best partner. Diogo Jota is more suitable for his style of play because they can swap positions.”
“Leao always takes an extra touch, which throws him off rhythm. He and Ronaldo are not a good fit, and vice versa.”
Chiellini also believes that Martinez should not listen to the advice of “online coaches” and put Ronaldo on the bench. “Remember, Ronaldo is the greatest scorer in Portuguese history, and he has won the Ballon d’Or five times. He should continue to be trusted. The problem is who is supporting him alongside.”
In the first two matches of the Euros, Martinez chose Leao as Ronaldo’s partner. It wasn’t until the final group match against Georgia that Portugal made adjustments, pairing João Félix with Ronaldo.
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