"Won't play striker" - Fans believe Cristiano Ronaldo will play in unnatural position due to Al-Nassr teammate against Al-Ain

Several fans on social media have predicted that Cristiano Ronaldo won't play in his natural position in Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League Elite clash against Al-Ain on November 5. The Knights of Najd (3rd) will look to get their third win of the Champions League at Al-Awwal Park and inch closer to group B leaders Al-Hilal. A win would see them move within two points off the top.

Cristiano Ronaldo was mostly seen at the heart of Al-Nassr's midfield in their last league clash against Al-Hilal on November 1. Anderson Talisca replaced the Portuguese superstar in the penalty box but was mostly rendered ineffective by the opposition's defense.

Although Talisca scored his side's solitary goal (1'), the Brazilian couldn't muster any more shots on target in the game. Furthermore, he recorded a measly 69% (9/13) passing accuracy and couldn't win a single ground duel.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, assumed the creator's role. His heatmap after the game proved that the Portuguese superstar was mostly orchestrating the midfield. He also saw more of the ball, recording 47 touches in the game compared to Talisca's 19. The game ended in a one-all stalemate.

(The abovementioned data is taken from Sofascore. The site is privately owned and may change the statistics as per its prerogative.)

Many Al-Nassr fans online have opined that Cristiano Ronaldo will put in another midfield shift in the game against Al-Ain. Most fans criticized the move by coach Stefano Pioli because of Anderson Talisca's poor form this season. Some popular comments on X are as follows:

"CR7 wont play striker," predicted a fan on X.

"Ronaldo starting as a striker but will drop deep and play like a CAM," agreed another.

"Ronaldo better not be doing midfield shifts," opined one Al-Nassr fan.

Several fans slammed Talisca for his sub-par performance this season.

"Talisca [clown emoji]," opined one fan.

"Exchange Talisca and Ronaldo place. Coz that's how they'll play [crying emoji]," announced another.

"Ronaldo playing midfield again. Talisca will score a goal but then ghost for 89 mins," wrote another fan on X.

Anderson Talisca has been struggling to find his mojo this season. The Brazilian is yet to score or assist in three games in the AFC Champions League Elite and has netted just six goals in 15 games across competitions.

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Al-Nassr reportedly begin talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over contract extension

Al Nassr v Al Taawoun: King Cup of Champions Round of 16 - Source: Getty

Al-Nassr have reportedly begun talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a contract extension. The Portuguese veteran joined the Knights of Najd in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

According to journalist Abdul Rahman Al-Hamidi, Ronaldo has been offered a proposal for a one-year contract extension at Al-Nassr. His current contract (reportedly worth $200 million per year) will expire on June 30, 2025. Another journalist, Ali Al-Marshoud has hinted that a contract extension may have already been greenlit by Ronaldo's camp with the official confirmation pending.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a revelation for the Knights of Najd, recording 67 goals and 18 assists in 77 games for the club so far.