The embers of Euro 2024 are still glowing, but the analysis machine is already whirring, dissecting the performances of the participating nations. While Portugal’s group stage exit was a disappointment for many, a recent comment from Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini has added a new layer to the post-mortem. Chiellini, a former Juventus teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, believes a key factor behind Portugal’s struggles wasn’t the aging superstar, but rather the lack of a complementary attacking piece – AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
Chiellini, speaking to Italian outlet ‘TuttoSport,’ offered a surprising take: “He’s more functional — Ex-EURO winner Chiellini reveals missing piece in Portugal – And it’s not Ronaldo.” This statement challenges the prevailing narrative that surrounded Portugal’s campaign. The focus had largely been on Ronaldo’s struggles in front of goal, with many questioning his effectiveness at this stage in his career.
Chiellini, however, believes the issue lies elsewhere. “Portugal has a fantastic team, but they lack a player who can consistently unlock defenses and create space for Ronaldo,” he explained. “Someone like Rafael Leao, with his pace, dribbling ability, and unpredictability, could have been the missing piece they needed.”
Leao, a 23-year-old winger for AC Milan, has emerged as one of Serie A’s most exciting young talents. His electrifying dribbling skills, combined with his eye for goal, have drawn comparisons to the likes of Kylian Mbappé. While not a regular starter for Portugal (he made just one appearance as a substitute during Euro 2024), Leao’s inclusion in the starting lineup could have offered a different dimension to Portugal’s attack.
Chiellini’s analysis raises some interesting questions. Was Portugal too reliant on Ronaldo as their primary goal threat? Did Fernando Santos, the Portuguese manager, fail to utilize the available attacking talent effectively?
Portugal’s group stage campaign was indeed underwhelming. Their attack, which boasted names like Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, and Bruno Fernandes alongside Ronaldo, sputtered at times. Their inability to break down resolute defenses, particularly in their shocking defeat to Georgia, exposed a lack of fluidity and creativity in the final third.
Leao, with his direct approach and ability to draw defenders out of position, could have disrupted these organized defenses and provided Ronaldo with more opportunities in the box. His dribbling ability could have created space for Portugal’s other attacking midfielders to operate, potentially leading to a more dynamic and unpredictable attacking unit.
However, Chiellini’s comments also raise questions about Ronaldo’s role in the team. While his finishing prowess remains undeniable, his declining athleticism and inability to consistently press defenders might hinder the overall attacking flow. Would Portugal be better served by a younger, more mobile striker alongside Leao, or can Ronaldo adapt his game to fit a more possession-based approach?
The debate surrounding Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s attack is likely to continue. Chiellini’s opinion, coming from a player who has faced him on numerous occasions, adds weight to the argument that Portugal needs to evolve their attacking strategy. Whether this means integrating Leao more prominently or finding a different solution altogether remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Fernando Santos has some serious decisions to make if Portugal wants to challenge for major trophies in the future. Can he find a way to build a team that utilizes Ronaldo’s strengths while also incorporating the talents of Leao and other young players? Or is it time for Portugal to embrace a new era, one that doesn’t necessarily revolve around the aging superstar?
Only time will tell what path Portugal chooses. However, Chiellini’s candid assessment has sparked a necessary conversation about how Portugal can unlock their attacking potential and become a force to be reckoned with once again.
