Cristiano Ronaldo said he created a huge problem that affects Bruno Fernandes

Cristiano Ronaldo's dominant presence in the Portugal squad is in danger of eclipsing Bruno Fernandes'. Ronaldo's dominance of set pieces at Euro 2024 is becoming a problem due to the captain's habit of shooting them into the crowd.

Despite his set-piece expertise, Fernandes has been reduced to the role of spectator while Ronaldo, who missed a crucial penalty against Slovenia before redeeming himself in the penalty shootout, continues to be in the spotlight. As Portugal prepare for a tantalising quarter-final against France, the debate is intensifying over whether Ronaldo's power overshadows the team's collective brilliance.

Pundits Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards agreed on The Rest Is Football podcast that it was high time Ronaldo shared set-piece duties to bolster Portugal's bid for another European triumph. Shearer highlighted the depth of talent within the squad, saying: “He's got team-mates who are brilliant from free-kicks.”

Richards added: “It's difficult to say to Ronaldo, 'I take free-kicks'.” Lineker highlighted Ronaldo's poor free-kick record and said: “It's almost impossible, despite the fact that his record is about one in 60 when he's scored in tournaments.”

“Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker and a more varied free-kick taker than Ronaldo. So even though he is [Ronaldo] a huge strength, it can also be a weakness.

“I have nothing against Cristiano, he is an incredible player. I have watched him and his movements in the box are absolutely perfect. He does it better than anyone, as a right-line player, the way he moves one way and then the other. He does it with precision.”

Lineker suggested Ronaldo's personality could prove to be the biggest problem for Portugal and their manager, Roberto Martinez. The Match of the Day presenter added: “It's his ego that's more of a weakness, probably for himself, Portugal and Roberto.”

“As a manager you know you have someone whose powers are waning and he's 39, but he's still Cristiano Ronaldo. He's a superstar. He's almost the most famous person on the planet, not just as a footballer.”