"We need to be very careful as a defense" - Turkey star sends Cristiano Ronaldo warning to team ahead of clash against Portugal at Euro 2024

Turkish defender Merih Demiral has warned his teammates ahead of their clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal (June 22) in Euro 2024. In a pre-match press conference on June 20, he stressed that his side needed to 'be very careful as a defense' against the 39-year-old star.

Turkiye won their first game 3-1 against Georgia, who were playing in their first-ever major international tournament. On the other hand, Portugal had to rely on some late heroics from Porto youngster Francisco Conceicao to secure a 2-1 win over Czechia in their opener.

Both teams will be motivated to carry on their winning form and potentially secure qualification into the knockouts with a good result in their second group stage game. However, Demiral advised his teammates not to get carried away and stay focused on the mighty task of defending the Portuguese superstar.

The former Juventus centre-back said (via @TimelineCR7 on X):

"Ronaldo's level is very good right now. He was in a very good condition when we played against each other in Saudi Arabia. He is a football player who loves to work & sets an example for everyone. We need to be very careful as a defense."

Despite his inability to get on the scoresheet, the Al-Nassr superstar was a potent offensive threat in Portugal's win over Czechia. He had three out of five shots on target (60%), created two chances (one big chance) and completed all 22 of his passes (100%) (via Statman Dave on X).

Ronaldo and Demiral played 25 games together with I Bianconeri. The latter would definitely be relying on his experience of playing against the Portuguese forward in training to help Turkiye contain his offensive threat.

"The best player in the world" - Turkish defender Merih Demiral praises Cristiano Ronaldo before EURO 2024 clash vs Portugal

Turkish defender Merih Demiral was full of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo before his nation's match-up against Portugal at Euro 2024. In a pre-match press conference, the former Juventus centre-back called his ex-teammate 'the best player in the world'.

Demiral said (via @TimelineCR7 on X):

"Ronaldo is a great football player. It is not easy to score goals like this at the age of 39. We are all experienced. We know very well how to defend. We will defend in the best way possible against the best player in the world."

Turkiye and Portugal are set to lock horns on Saturday, June 22, at the iconic Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. The top-scorer of the 2020 edition (five goals), Ronaldo will certainly be eager to open his Euro 2024 tally as soon as possible.