Cesc Fabregas compliments Cristiano Ronaldo’s versatile skills on the field.
Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder turned BBC pundit, has praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-round game despite the forward’s failure to score in Portugal’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. Fabregas believes that Ronaldo’s overall play has improved significantly in recent years.
Ronaldo, who made his sixth appearance at the European Championships, was the center of attention in the pre-match buildup. However, it was 21-year-old Francisco Conceicao who secured all three points for Portugal after they fell behind in the 62nd minute.
Fabregas commended Ronaldo’s performance, stating, “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.”
Portugal found themselves a goal down in the 62nd minute due to a stunning strike from Slavia Prague winger Lukas Provod. However, they quickly equalized six minutes later when a scramble in the box resulted in Robin Hranac turning the ball into his own net. Ronaldo thought he had set up the winner in the closing stages, but he was ruled offside.
Nevertheless, Conceicao made no mistake and poked the ball past Jindrich Stanek to secure all three points for Portugal.
Fabregas believes that Ronaldo’s selfless display in Germany sets him apart from other players. “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.”