Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini said in an interview with Sky Sports that Cristiano Ronaldo did not find the right partner at the European Championships, and Rafael Leao was not his ideal teammate.
Ronaldo was one of the most disappointing players in the group stage of the European Championships. He failed to score in any of the three games, only contributing one assist. Many believe that Ronaldo’s decline is due to age.
But Chiellini has a different view. He believes that Ronaldo did well at the Euros, the problem was how coach Roberto Martinez arranged his partner. Chiellini believes that Leao and Ronaldo are “incompatible”.
Chiellini said: “I like what Ronaldo did against the Czech Republic and Turkey, I think he is more useful to Portugal than Gonçalo Ramos.”
Chiellini pointed out: “I think Leao is not his best partner, and 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. 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 bench Ronaldo. “Remember, Ronaldo is the greatest scorer in Portugal’s history, he has won the Ballon d’Or five times. He deserves to continue to be trusted. The problem is who is supporting him.”
In the first two matches of the European Championships, Martinez chose Leao to partner with Ronaldo. It was not until the final round of the group stage against Georgia that Portugal adjusted, with João Félix partnering with Ronaldo.
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