Is Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal's 'biggest player' or 19-year-old sensation waiting to stun?

Roberto Martinez has already announced the 25-man squad for Portugal for the forthcoming UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. The squad has a mixture of experienced and young squad. Cristiano Ronaldo the top scorer in the tournament will yet again be leading the side in June. They have been marked as one of the favourites in the upcoming marquee European tournament. The 39-year-old led the side to their first trophy in 2016 beating France in the final. 

This might be the last national tournament for the Portuguese No.7 and he would love to finish on a high note for his country and win the Euro 2024. He has been the side's most prolific goal scorer over the years and remains a potent source of goals for Roberto Martinez’s side. However, with this time it has changed a bit as the squad depth leads to less pressure on the veteran forward. 

There have been young footballers who have recently impressed in European club football and the Portugal league as well. Portugal this time around has the likes of Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Ruben Neves, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes. These footballers will be hoping to prove something in the international circuit however, Silva and Fernandes have already been proven footballers among the names. 

Joao Neves will be a player to watch out for 

Joao Neves will be a player to watch out for the Euro as he has been exceptional for Benfica in recent years and has performed consistently for the side. The 19-year-old will be hoping to leave a mark in the upcoming international tournament. He has been seen as a potential talent for the side in the upcoming years. Being a midfielder he has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists across all competitions. 

Speaking on The Optus Sport Football Podcast, former England international Jay Bothroyd, stated, that Ronaldo is not the biggest player currently for the nation. He said, "He's unbelievable, still. There's no doubt about that. But I look at this team now and I just feel like he's not even the main player. Let's be real. He's the biggest name, but he's not the biggest player. He's not. He's not the main player."