All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal's form has fallen off a cliff in the last few weeks, with two back-to-back losses in the Premier League and a 2-0 loss in the FA Cup.

However, with half of the season to go and plenty to fight for, Mikel Arteta won't have lost hope, and with the transfer window now open, he has the chance to bolster his squad, and one name that just won't go away is Everton's Amadou Onana.

The Belgian ace has been touted for a move to the Emirates several times this month and prior, but he isn't the only Toffees star that the Spaniard has been looking at in January.

Arsenal target Onana's impressive teammate

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal are one of several major clubs that 'admire' Everton's exciting young centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite.

The report has revealed that alongside Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United, the Gunners are keen to add the promising defender to their young and dynamic team.

Unfortunately, it could well take a mammoth fee to prise the defender away from the Toffees, with one report detailing a £100m valuation.

While it would be a complex deal to complete with so many massive teams after him, signing Branthwaite would make Arsenal's defence so much more impressive, although it could spell trouble for Gabriel.

How Jarrad Branthwaite compares to Gabriel

The arrival of a player that football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "an absolute monster" would likely be welcomed by the Arsenal faithful with open arms, especially if he arrived with Onana in tow.

The Carlisle-born centre-back has started 86% of Everton's league games this season, while the Belgian has started 76%. While there have been some losses in those games, the pair have starred in some of the Toffees' most impressive wins this season, such as the away win over West Ham United and the EFL Cup win away to Aston Villa.

The only person who might secretly hope Arsenal don't get this deal over the line is Gabriel. If Branthwaite does sign for the Gunners, it would be so under the promise of regular first-team football, and for as talented as the Brazilian is, it would likely be him that lost out and not William Saliba.

However, how do the pair's underlying numbers compare? Would Arteta be justified in dropping the former LOSC Lille man for the Toffees star?

Well, unfortunately for the Gunners' number six, while his defensive numbers are undoubtedly impressive, they aren't as remarkable as Branthwaite's.

The English "wall", as described by Kulig, comes out on top for tackles won, interceptions, clearances, ball recoveries, and even aerial duels won per 90.

In contrast, the only defensive metric in which Gabriel comes out ahead is in blocks per 90, and that just won't be enough to justify his place ahead of the 21-year-old if a transfer can be agreed upon.

Arsenal make offer for £50m "huge talent" who could send Zinchenko packing

The 22-year-old could add some defensive stability at left-back.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 17, 2024

Ultimately, if Arsenal can get ahead of the pack and agree on a deal for the promising defender, they should, especially if they can complete a double swoop for Onana.

Emi Martinez is ready for a “fight” at Aston Villa, with the World Cup winner reiterating his desire to represent Argentina at the 2024 Olympics.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Landed global title in 2022
• Back in the hunt for continental crown
• Wants gold medal bid in Paris

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The enigmatic goalkeeper is already part of his country’s plans for the Copa America, as they seek to defend that continental crown, but has previously told of also turning out at international Games in Paris: “As many players have said, if Javier [Mascherano] is available and wants us, we are available. Obviously, the national team comes before the clubs and, if the clubs let us, we always have the power to say that the national team is always ahead. And for us, it is a source of pride. I want to go. There are a lot of guys who want to go.”

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mascherano has named a 23-man squad for Olympic warm-up matches, but is yet to add overage players to that list. Martinez could be called upon despite the Copa America final being just 10 days prior to the event in France getting underway and the new Premier League season starting a week after the tournament finishes.

• Getty
  

  WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

  Martinez has now told of battling for the right to form part of Argentina’s plans: “I’ve had the possibility to speak with Marche (Mascherano), it is a wish that I want to play, but it doesn’t obviously just depend on myself. The club has blocked me from going lots of times before but I want to play Copa America and to have a little bit more strength at the end of the Copa America to make a decision. I know that I have to fight a little bit more with the club, it’s not 100 per cent done but from my part, it is a wish that I have, that I want to win the Olympics. It’s not obligatory for the club to let a player leave to play in the Olympics, I know that my club has not let any player go, they blocked everyone. A small chance, but I always put the national team in front and if I have to fight a little more with the club, I will, but first is the Copa America. It’s very difficult to fight with the club now because for us, the most important is to win the Copa America. Then comes the Olympics, and it is a personal wish of mine to win the trophy.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  Villa, who will be gracing the Champions League in 2023-24 after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, have already blocked France coach Thierry Henry from selecting Lucas Digne and Moussa Diaby in his squad for a gold medal bid on home soil.

West Ham United are now thought to be eyeing a late January move for one club's £25 million player, alongside the heavily linked Al-Ittihaf forward Jota and FC Norsjaelland winger Ibrahim Osman.

West Ham exploring deals for Osman and Jota

Despite having been in talks over signing the latter player for quite a while, and soon after they put pen to paper on a loan deal for Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, so far a move to east London has failed to materialise for Osman.

West Ham eyeing late January move for "bargain" striker likened to Toney

He’s been labelled “similar” to the Brentford man.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 27, 2024

There are discrepancies over why that is, with some reliable sources suggesting that Nordsjaelland's demands are the issue (Fabrizio Romano). Others, like B.T football correspondent Farzam Abolhosseini, who actually broke West Ham's interest in Osman, are saying they issues surround his representation.

However, despite this roadblock in negotiations, it is believed a potential deal for the Ghanaian talent is still on. An Osman move to West Ham has stalled but not totally off, according to widespread reports, but it is also believed they're weighing up Jota as an alternative.

The Portuguese has been heavily linked with a move to east London as he seeks an exit from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad not even registering him as a member of their domestic squad.

However, there are real tax issues which could make this agreement a difficult one, as Jota would stand to lose a major chunk of his salary if he were to make a Premier League switch. The complicated matter is explained best by West Ham Way writer Joe Davis on X.

In any case, both Jota and Osman remain firmly on David Moyes' radar as we fast approach January deadline day. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, though, says another player is attracting late West Ham interest as well.

West Ham eyeing late Trevoh Chalobah move with Jota and Osman

Indeed, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah remains out of Mauricio Pochettino's plans, and this is said to have turned a few heads at the London Stadium.

Sheth, taking to X with a January update, says West Ham are eyeing a late move to sign Chalobah, coming after reports that they're willing to sign a centre-back if Nayef Aguerd seals a late transfer away.

The 24-year-old can play at centre-back, in the full-back areas and even in midfield – which would make him a useful asset for Moyes. Chalobah's reported price tag of around £25 million is also realistic from a West Ham perspective, with former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard calling him a "delight" behind-the-scenes.

Of course, the Englishman's injury problems will also be a concern for Moyes, so it will be interesting to see if they advance.

USMNT prospect Paxten Aaronson is poised to join FC Utrecht on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, as he heads back to the Netherlands.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• USMNT youngster set for Eredivisie return
• Previously played for Vitesse
• Has one senior USMNT cap

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , FC Utrecht are in the process of finalizing a deal to sign Aaronson from Frankfurt on loan. The Bundesliga club are also going to extend Aaronson's contract by a further year as they still view the 20-year-old as having a bright future, and this is clearly part of a long-term plan, as the German club's sporting director confirmed their desire to secure him a loan move last week.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The USMNT star, who has won one senior cap for the USMNT, played the second half of the 2023-24 season in the Netherlands, scoring four goals in 14 Eredivisie games. His form was rewarded with a call-up to the squad for the USMNT's U23 side at the Olympics.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Eredivisie is already home to a number of USMNT stars; Taylor Booth plays for Utrecht, while Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman play for PSV Eindhoven. Now, Aaronson will hope to compete with his international team-mates.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Aaronson will hope to complete his move swiftly so that he can focus on preparations for the Olympics. The tournament begins on July 24.

Arsenal continued to rebuild their momentum last night with a 2-1 win in the Premier League away to Nottingham Forest.

However, until Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 65th minute, it looked like it might have been turning into another match in which Mikel Arteta's men failed to take their chances, a flaw represented in their expected goals number this season.

The Brazilian was replaced by Eddie Nketiah late into the game, but the Englishman did very little to stake a claim for the starting spot this weekend.

Worse yet, the latest player touted for a move to the Emirates ranked as one of the league's most clinical finishers last season, so the 24-year-old could be in danger of losing his place in the squad entirely.

Arsenal look north for more firepower

According to prior reports, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson this month, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano having since told GIVEMESPORT that the future of the Englishman is "one to watch" in "the final hours" of the window – amid the context of the Gunners' interest.

The Italian journalist explained that while the Magpies "insist the player is going nowhere", financial fair play implications could force their hand if they receive an "important proposal" and that if this happens, the player himself "could be open to the move."

In more good news for the Gunners, a report from the Evening Standard earlier this week revealed that it could take an offer of just £18m to get this deal moving, which in today's market seems like a steal for a player like Wilson.

That said, with Chelsea and Manchester United also said to be keen, it's unlikely that the deal will be that straightforward.

How Wilson compares to Nketiah

Nketiah has been a useful player for Arteta in the time he has been at the club, scoring some big goals, such as the two at Chelsea a couple of years ago and the winner against Manchester United last season.

However, aside from the hat-trick he scored at the Emirates against bottom-club Sheffield United, he has been rather ineffective this season, scoring just two league goals and providing two assists in his other 20 appearances.

In contrast, Wilson's seven league goals in seven starts have come in six games and were he able to keep this up for the Gunners, that would be far more useful in a title fight than one or two games in which he bags a hat-trick or brace.

It isn't just the former Bournemouth star's goal haul and the manner in which he scored them that make him a better option than Nketiah for the north Londoners, but also his underlying numbers.

For example, in the metrics most relevant to a top-level striker, such as expected goals and assists, actual goals, shots, shots on target and successful take-ons per 90, the "incredible" Toon star, as described by his manager Eddie Howe, eclipses the Arsenal man.

The one area in which the former Chelsea youth product comes out ahead is in the number of assists the pair produces per 90, but with Arteta's most pressing problem being his frontline's finishing this season, this seems like a non-issue.

Arsenal make enquiry to sign £26m-rated Havertz replacement

The 24-year-old has been impressing in Italy this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 31, 2024

Ultimately, if Arsenal can get this deal over the line in the dying embers of the transfer window, they absolutely should, as the "ruthless" Wilson, as described by journalist Chris Waugh, could bring the experience and clinical nature that could be the deciding factor in a title race that looks set to go down to the wire.

Real Madrid captain Nacho has reportedly snubbed an opportunity to move to MLS in favour of a reunion with Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Nacho set to leave Real Madrid
• Not keen on heading to the United States
• Will sign a contract with Saudi side Al-Ittihad

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According tothe veteran defender, whose contract with Real Madrid expires later this month, is in advanced talks to join the Saudi Pro League side.

  Nacho, a stalwart at Real Madrid since joining the club’s youth system at the age of 10, has spent his entire career with the Spanish giants. Over the years, he has become a crucial figure in the squad, earning respect for his versatility and leadership. However, his tenure at Santiago Bernabeu seems to be drawing to a close as he eyes a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite being informed about his impending departure, Real Madrid had offered Nacho a new contract, hoping to retain his services. However, the prospect of joining Benzema at Al-Ittihad and embarking on a new adventure seems to have swayed the seasoned defender. Several other clubs, including Villarreal, Inter, and various MLS teams, had shown interest in Nacho, but he remained firm that if he left Real Madrid, he would not join any other European outfit.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since making his senior debut under Jose Mourinho in 2011, Nacho has played 363 games, scored 16 goals, and provided 10 assists. His trophy cabinet is equally impressive, boasting 26 major titles, including six Champions League trophies and four La Liga championships. This achievement places him ahead of other club legends like Marcelo and Benzema, who have 25 titles each with Madrid.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Angel Martinez/Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  As Nacho prepares to bid farewell to the club that has been his home for over two decades, Real Madrid will need to address the gap left in their defensive lineup. The potential signing of Leny Yoro is seen as a strategic move to bolster their defence and ensure continued success on both domestic and European fronts.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer has praised ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino for his influence in transforming him into the player he is now.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Palmer praises Pochettino
• Palmer yet to get Euro 2024 chance
• Calls for him to start vs Slovakia

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer explained that he was upset that Pochettino had been shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge after the Argentine had made the attacking midfielder and winger his key man. Palmer scored 22 goals for the Blues in the Premier League and will be expected to replicate those performance levels again next season. However, Palmer will be taking instruction from new boss Enzo Maresca and explained that he is looking forward to working with the Italian once again.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT PALMER SAID

  Speaking to , Palmer said: "[Pochettino] just gave me the opportunity and the freedom and said: ‘Do what you do’. I was [sorry to see him go], because he put his trust in me and we built a good relationship. Not just with him but with all his staff who were there. When he left I was gutted.

  “He is probably the main reason [I am in the England squad] because a different manager might not have given me that freedom and opportunity to do what I did at Chelsea.”

  On Maresca, he added: “Enzo was the one who put me at right-wing. From the [under] 18s I was playing [number] 10 and when I went to the 23s Enzo played me on the right. That was my first full season on the right. He’s a good coach, a really good coach. I think tactically he knows what he is doing. He will improve a lot of the players."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Maresca was part of the Manchester City coaching staff and will relish the chance to work with Palmer once again. The England forward found enjoyed a sublime first season at Chelsea and was given the freedom to roam the right-wing. His performances for Chelsea prompted Gareth Southgate to include him in his European Championship squad, although, with Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jarrod Bowen occupying similar areas, he is yet to be given much of a chance to impress.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

  Palmer will hope to get more of a look in against Slovakia on Sunday as England look to progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. As one of England's most consistent performers in recent years, Saka will likely start once again but Palmer should be one of the first options off the bench for Southgate.

In a rarity for Chelsea these days, the Blues have endured a silent transfer window on the incoming front, with Mauricio Pochettino so far forced to stick with what he's already got. The same can more or less be said when it comes to departures, given that Ian Maatsen and David Datro Fofana are the only players to have left Stamford Bridge in the transfer window this month, neither of whom had a big impact on the squad this term.

With a matter of hours remaining before the deadline, however, things could yet change on both fronts, with the Blues reportedly offered to sign a Bundesliga forward who could replace and even become an upgrade on Armando Broja.

Chelsea make Broja U-turn

Despite seemingly being set on their decision to keep hold of Broja unless someone paid a permanent fee, fresh reports suggest that Chelsea have agreed a loan deal for their young forward with Fulham in a late move in the winter window. If Broja does leave, then the London giants will be left potentially scrambling for a replacement in the final hours of the window. And that's when they could turn to the Bundesliga.

According to Simon Phillips' Substack, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Donyell Malen by his agent before the end of the transfer window. Phillips confirmed the news, saying: “I’ve been told tonight that Donyell Malen from Dortmund has been offered to Chelsea by his agent."

The Dortmund star could even be an upgrade on Broja, but it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be in a position to pursue such a deal in the last few hours of the window. The Blues' need for attacking reinforcements remains a prominent problem for Pochettino, however, and Malen could more than play his part in that issue finally reaching a resolution.

"Unstoppable" Malen is better than Broja

If Broja does complete his move away from Chelsea before the end of the window, then they'd be wise to turn to Malen. Not only would the Dutchman replace the young forward, but he'd also be an instant upgrade, as Malen's stats show.

A player who showed great potential in the early stages of his career, Malen received praise from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who called the forward "unstoppable".

The fact that the Dutchman has reportedly been offered to Chelsea by his agent suggests that a move could be on the cards in the near future, whether that be today or in the summer transfer window. So, Malen is certainly one to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Glasgow Rangers find themselves with an excellent chance of adding the Premiership and Scottish Cup trophies to their League Cup triumph from earlier this season.

Philippe Clement has transformed the Ibrox side from also-rans into league leaders in the space of four months, overseeing an eight-point swing at the top of the table.

Not only that, but the performances have been excellent, with the Gers creating plenty of chances during games, yet they lack a true out-and-out striker to convert them.

Dare I say it, but the momentum appears to be with Rangers in the chase for the league title and if Clement can maintain these sorts of displays in the coming weeks, the next few months could be special indeed.

His savvy in the transfer market saw the Light Blues sign Fabio Silva, Oscar Cortes, and Mohamed Diomande last month and all three look like they can contribute effectively in the coming months.

Could this be the beginning of Rangers asserting their dominance once again in Scottish football? Early indicators suggest it certainly could, and it proves how far the club have come since 2016.

Rangers wasted money on a plethora of signings

Before appointing Steven Gerrard in May 2018, the Gers had to endure the management of Mark Warburton, Graham Murty and Pedro Caixinha, and it was the latter who arguably set the club back years.

Rangers' first season back in the top flight during 2016/17 proved to be a disaster, as they went through three managers, and it was Caixinha who led the club into the summer transfer window of 2017.

With a third-place finish behind them – trailing Celtic by a staggering 39 points – it was clear the squad needed to be revamped.

The Portuguese manager was certainly busy that summer, signing 11 players for the Gers while moving on seven first-team assets who clearly did not feature in his plans.

Money was spent too, which the club didn’t have much of. Eduardo Herrera cost £1.5m while his compatriot Carlos Pena was also a big-money signing, with Caixinha splashing out £2.2m to lure the Mexican to Ibrox.

Given that their finances were still not great, especially following the European humiliation to Progres Niederkorn in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, these were lavish sums on which to spend.

Herrera was a poor signing, yet Pena proved to be even worse, and it was certainly £2.2m wasted on someone who failed to light up Ibrox with his performances.

What Carlos Pena was earning at Rangers

Along with the extravagant transfer fee that was spent on securing his signature, the Light Blues were also paying Pena £26k-per-week which was a staggering sum for someone who failed to hit the ground running.

The attacking midfielder did have some previous pedigree as he had registered 62 goal contributions – 52 goals and ten assists – across 191 games for Club Leon during his spell in Mexico and this was the type of form which Caixinha was looking for him to replicate after he joined Rangers.

Pena ended up playing for the club on just 14 occasions, scoring five goals during that time, which included a brace against St Johnstone, but he missed a few games through injury and started just six Premiership matches.

It was soon evident that Pena wouldn’t last at the club and in January 2018 – three months after Caixinha was sacked – he returned to Mexico to join Cruz Azul on loan.

Coincidently, Caixinha was his new manager, having secured the job following a brief spell out of football, and the move saw the Gers pay half of his £26k-per-week wages, showing how poor a business deal it was.

The total cost of Carlos Pena at Rangers

He played only 13 games for Cruz Azul before his loan stint was cancelled due to alcohol-related issues, but the midfielder soon joined Nexaca on another temporary stint following a period spent in rehab.

Remarkably, this loan deal was also cut short, yet Rangers were still paying his full salary during this time away from Glasgow and the whole deal represented a major loss for the Ibrox side.

Indeed, combining the £2.2m transfer fee along with his £1.7m wages earned during his ill-fated 84-week spell in Scotland, Pena rinsed the club of a grand total of £3.9m.

A truly ridiculous amount, and he eventually had his contract terminated in February 2019 having failed to play a game under Gerrard, and the former Liverpool captain discussed the termination in a press conference, saying:

“This decision has been made above me by the board. Certain things happen at a club that are above a manager's head. The decision's been made by Dave King and the board and I respect it, and we move on.”

In 2022 Rangers Review, journalist Derek Clark stated that "ultimately, this was a disastrous transfer in what was an equally disastrous spell for the club" after the Court of Arbitration for Sport justified the reasons why Rangers terminated Pena’s contract earlier, and it looked as though a line was drawn under the whole saga.

While some transfer business has been poor since Pena eventually left the club, it now looks as though the Gers have a manager who knows exactly what he is doing in the transfer market and this will lead to fewer poor signings.

Of course, there is always going to be one or players who arrive at the club and fail to live up to their expectation, but Pena had a growing reputation and clearly looked the part, especially judging from his previous statistics in Mexico.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

It soon proved to be a massive waste of money and while the Gers are in a much better financial situation now, Clement still cannot afford to waste money on players who won't stand up and be counted as he seeks to achieve further success with the club.

With smart acquisitions in the January window, Rangers are in a far better place this year than they were way back in 2017, that’s for sure.

The legendary forward was determined to make the last-16 tie all about him, and his nation undoubtedly suffered as a result

Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against Slovenia on Monday – and performance is certainly a fitting word for it – left viewers in the stadium and beyond utterly baffled; the star of his own one-man show, the Portugal captain made Frankfurt's Waldstadion the stage for his melodrama in the last 16 of Euro 2024.

Ineffective in open play against Slovenia's dogged defence and low block, the 39-year-old instead resorted to peppering their goal from free-kicks with varying degrees of farce as he commanded every set-piece his side were awarded. Frustrated in 90 minutes, Ronaldo's long-awaited golden opportunity finally presented itself from the penalty spot in the first half of extra-time, but rather than wheeling away in celebration, he was dramatically reduced to tears as his effort was brilliantly kept out by Jan Oblak.

The veteran's blushes would be saved in an eventual shootout triumph, as goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as Portugal's hero ahead of his captain with three fine stops. However, this felt like a watershed moment for Ronaldo. "It's football, those who fail are those who try too," he said afterwards. "I will always do my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not. You can't be afraid, I've never been afraid to face things head on, sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don't, but giving up is something you'll never hear from my name."

He may not be ready to throw in the towel, but this was the latest in a long line of evidence to suggest it's time Portugal and manager Roberto Martinez moved on from the Ronaldo show, as he desperately clings on to past glories; their hopes at Euro 2024 may depend on it.

• Getty
  

  Struggling main character

  Whatever the outcome, hero or villain, it seems Ronaldo was hellbent on making Monday about him. We are all accustomed to his histrionics by now as he aims spluttering fits of frustration at his team-mates and the referee, and screams at himself in self-motivation, but this display had a particularly desperate edge to it as he looked to respond to his critics and right the wrongs of his tournament so far.

  That desperation was epitomised by his laughable determination to take every single free-kick Portugal were awarded; 30 yards out, 40 yards out, 50 yards out – it didn't matter, Ronaldo was having it, and Ronaldo was shooting. The most absurd of all his efforts came late in the first half, as he took aim from a ridiculously tight angle – not too far from the corner flag – and ballooned the set-piece miles wide. There was no real sign of an apology, and rather more concerningly, it seemed his compatriots didn't expect one.

  To his credit, the veteran did go closer with a couple of other dead-ball attempts – one that sailed just over the crossbar and another that was beaten away by Oblak, and the Slovenia goalkeeper saved well when he was played through late on.

  However, Portugal's toiling talisman has now attempted more shots at Euro 2024 that any other player (20) without scoring, and that's despite having an xG (expected goals) of 2.96 as his major tournament goal drought (eight games) goes on. He has netted just one free-kick out of 60 taken at major tournaments, including more than twice as many direct free-kicks at the Euros than any other player since records began in 1980.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Tears of desperation

  Then there is the moment that will join Antonin Panenka's penalty and Paul Gascoigne's 'dentist's chair' in the annals of European Championship history – one that we will see repeated again and again and again.

  After Slovenia had admirably held their opponents in 90 minutes, Ronaldo was offered a chance for redemption when substitute Diogo Jota was downed in the box late in the first half of extra-time. Of course it was their No.7 who stepped up after a long delay, but his strike was brilliantly saved by Oblak.

  If that wasn't dramatic enough, Ronaldo was unable to keep a lid on his emotions as the whistle blew for half-time in the extra period, breaking down in tears with the world's eyes on him. After 105 minutes of football where he had been determined to hog the limelight, this breakdown felt like an untimely distraction from the task at hand from Portugal's most experienced campaigner, with his younger team-mates forced to gee him up for the restart.

  His tears drew widespread criticism, and it felt like the strain of clinging on to his past exploits was proving too much. At 39 years of age and given his ineffectiveness at Euro 2024 so far, Ronaldo surely shouldn't even have been on the pitch to miss the spot-kick in the first place, with many left wondering what the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes must have been thinking.

• Getty
  

  'Inexplicable moments'

  Fortunately for the Portugal captain, his blushes were saved as the game went to a penalty shootout. He converted his spot-kick before goalkeeper Costa emerged as the hero by denying all three Slovenia efforts in a swift 3-0 victory.

  Having offered a meek apology to the supporters after somewhat making amends in the shootout, Ronaldo was at a loss to explain his tears after the game was finally over. "Even the strongest people have their (bad) days," he told reporters. "I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most.

  "Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football gives you. These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save. I had to review the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but during the year I didn’t miss a single time and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it. The most important thing is to enjoy qualifying, the team did an extraordinary job, we fought until the end and if you analyse the match well, Portugal deserved it because they had more chances."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Neglected alternatives

  Given he is blessed with a squad that is packed full of attacking talent, it is difficult not to question Martinez's blind faith in the misfiring Ronaldo – even if he did plunder an extraordinary 50 goals in the evidently weaker Saudi Pro League in the club season and regardless of being Portugal men's all-time leading goal-scorer.

  Jota, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Goncalo Ramos – who famously scored a hat-trick against Switzerland when he was picked ahead of Ronaldo at the 2022 World Cup – were all on the bench initially despite playing their club football at a higher level, with only the former being introduced as a substitute. The Liverpool man would replace Rafael Leao rather than his struggling skipper, though.

  Felix and Ramos, 24 and 23, respectively, should surely have been given an opportunity as the future of Portugal's attack, with either more than capable of providing a spark and making a difference against an opponent that was content to sit deep. Instead, Portugal looked handicapped with Ronaldo isolated and frustrated. Jota demonstrated the alternative when he came on, running at the heart of the Slovenian defence and winning that fateful penalty.

  There were the signs of a transition from the Ronaldo era beginning under former Portugal manager Fernando Santos as he showed a readiness to bench the iconic forward, but while results have generally been positive, they have taken a step back under Ronaldo advocate Martinez.