Agbonlahor Urges Portugal to Bench Ronaldo

Former Aston Villa captain Gabriel Agbonlahor has called on Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to reconsider the role of Cristiano Ronaldo in the national team, suggesting that the veteran forward should not automatically start matches as Portugal continue their FIFA World Cup campaign.

Agbonlahor made the comments during an appearance on talkSPORT while discussing Ronaldo’s recent performance in Portugal’s World Cup clash against the DR Congo, a display that drew criticism from some football analysts and supporters.

The former England striker argued that Portugal possess enough attacking talent to compete effectively without depending heavily on the 41-year-old Al-Nassr star, whose influence on games, he believes, has diminished compared to his peak years.

“I don’t think he should start,” Agbonlahor said. “I look at Portugal, I look at the players they’ve got, and I look at other strikers who could be playing