"It is important to understand what a player brings" - Roberto Martinez defends Cristiano Ronaldo over playing time at EURO 2024

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo's playing time for the national side at EURO 2024. The Al-Nassr superstar started and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Czechia on Tuesday (June 18) to open Portugal's campaign, but failed to get on the scoresheet.

The 39-year-old superstar had a poor outing all-round by his own lofty standards. He recorded 32 touches (just five of them in the box), three out of five shots on target (75%), missed a big chance, and had a shot blocked. He was also flagged offside on three occasions and won just one of his four aerial duels (stats via FotMob).

There have been widespread calls for Ronaldo to be dropped from Martinez's lineup. However, the Spaniard, like on multiple occasions in the past, has come to the defense of the legendary attacker.

Speaking at a press conference on June 21 before Portugal's game against Turkiye, Martinez said (via Metro):

"Do you know how many minutes Cristiano played last season? He has experience, there was no other player in the history of football with six European Championships played. It is important to understand what a player brings."

"Cristiano brings experience, brings goal opportunities, a way of opening up spaces. Cristiano is in the national team because he deserves to be here, just look at what he has done and what he has done in the last competitions," he added.

The top-scorer of EURO 2020, Ronaldo will be eager to break his duck in EURO 2024 sooner than later and inspire Portugal to make a deep run in the competition.

"He was very disciplined" - Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praises Cristiano Ronaldo's performance vs Czechia

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in their side's 2-1 victory over Czechia at EURO 2024. The 39-year-old has received flak for his disappointing outing, but the manager seems to have faith in his ability and qualities.

At a press conference before Portugal's all-important group stage clash against Turkiye, the 50-year-old said (via Metro):

"He was very disciplined, worked hard and is a killer, a very important box player. He opens up space. When Francisco [Conceicao] scored, the space opened up because Cristiano was in the area. We work with a focus and Cristiano is important for us, in what we try to do in the penalty area."

Ronaldo will lead Portugal against Turkiye on Saturday (June 22) at Dortmund's iconic Westfalenstadion, in a game that could have a major impact on Group F's final standings.