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Former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Cristiano Ronaldo's all-round play has come a long way after his performance in Portugal's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 opener on Tuesday, June 18. The Spaniard claimed the same while on punditry duty with BBC.
Even at kick-off, Ronaldo made history by becoming the first-ever footballer to participate in six European Championships. He failed to get on the scoresheet but had a significant contribution to his team's offensive game plan.
Ronaldo had three out of five shots on target (60%), created two chances (one big chance), and completed all 22 of his passes (100%) [stats via @statmusefc on X]. He was unlucky not to score, hitting the post once and having two low, hard strikes saved by Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek.
Lavishing praise on the Portuguese icon's performance in the game, Fabregas said (via EuroSport):
"His overall play has been much better than we have seen over the last couple of years. At the end of the day, whatever you do, if the team plays well or the team does not play well, he always finds a chance. Either to create something for himself or for the team. In this moment I think he is feeling so much confidence."
Fabregas went on to commend Ronaldo's mentality and his distinctive skill set and technique, adding:
"Even with his body, he takes care of himself to another level. His mentality, he just needs one turn, one moment, one little bit of space, to turn around and get something into the box or create a chance. The second goal came from him as well. He is always in front of the defender, it is unique."
"Always ready to score goals" - Manchester United fullback Diogo Dalot praises national compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's performance vs Czechia
Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot reiterated the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portuguese national team's attacking tactics after their 2-1 win over the Czechs.
After the game, the 25-year-old, who won United's Players' Player of the Year award in 2023-24, was asked about Ronaldo's performance in Portugal's EURO 2024 opener. Dalot replied (via Stretty News):
"Cristiano Ronaldo was very focused, very physically fit and always ready to score goals. I know everybody will always expect him to score goals. Sometimes he scores, a lot of times he scores! Today he was very close. Obviously, you can see in the game that he played how much he ran today. He helped us with and without the ball, he was always moving, energetic and that’s the Cristiano that we want."
Despite Dalot's claims, Portugal fans and players alike will be hoping that the Euro 2020 topscorer can get back to his goalscoring ways. If he does, Roberto Martinez's side will become one of the teams to beat at EURO 2024.
