Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting eleven, yes or no? What do foreign journalists think?

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Palm Beach has become the epicenter for the Portuguese delegation, and an undeniable media magnet for the international press. The recent draw against DR Congo has raised alarms and reignited a persistent debate: Should Cristiano Ronaldo remain in Roberto Martínez's starting eleven? We spoke with seven journalists from various corners of the globe covering the Portuguese national team in Florida, and their responses reveal that the number 7's status still commands immense respect, albeit with significant tactical nuances.

For Lourdes García Campos of Spain's public broadcaster RTVE, the discussion itself is now an inherent part of the ecosystem surrounding the Portuguese superstar.

"Everything Cristiano Ronaldo does sparks debate, no matter what it is. Whether he performs well, poorly, or just adequately. But I can't fathom why anyone would want him out of the team," the journalist states, emphasizing that regardless of collective performance, the spotlight invariably falls on the captain.

This view is echoed by Artur Quezada of TNT Sports Brazil, who notes that this phenomenon isn't exclusive to Portugal: "When you have a superstar on a national team, it's normal. We see it with Neymar, Argentina with Messi, England with Harry Kane."

However, Quezada issues a clear warning about the consequences of potentially benching Ronaldo: "If you bring a player like Cristiano Ronaldo to a World Cup, it's not to leave him on the bench. Otherwise, you end up creating another problem: all the attention shifts to Cristiano and not to the national team."

From African shores, Monsurah Olatunji, a Nigerian freelance journalist for Molat Sportgist, draws on football history to advocate for Ronaldo's continued presence on the field, downplaying the age factor.

"Age is just a number. Francesco Totti retired at 45; Cristiano is 41 and still running. Perhaps his legs are weaker, as you can't compare the 19-year-old Cristiano with this one, but his brain is still very active, and the experience is there. As a defender, if you pay less attention to him, you'll find the ball in the back of your net."

Also focusing heavily on the emotional and historical impact, Renata Ibarrarán of TV Azteca (Mexico) considers the criticism excessive: "It seems very rude for fans to say he's no longer useful and should be removed. I think Cristiano is still playing at a high level, perhaps not his absolute best, and the coach should focus on who is performing best, not just the star. Many players would love to be at Cristiano's level at 41."

Among the analysts who take a more critical look at the team's tactical setup is Gustavo Szczupak of ESPN Brazil. For him, the mere existence of this discussion already signals a significant paradigm shift within the national team.

"Regardless of the decision for him to stay or leave, what strikes me most is that he's no longer untouchable in your country. And I think that's very consistent. It's sad because time passes, but it's consistent," Gustavo states, pointing to Ronaldo's fit within a system that demands greater mobility.

"Such a mobile attack and a mobile midfield, as Portugal possesses, contrasts with the type of forward Cristiano Ronaldo has become. I would keep him in the squad, but I'd keep an eye on him for the third match. There's a mismatch."

A tactical perspective partially shared by Eugenio Salinas of TNT Sports Chile, who references other football legends to suggest a different management of the captain's minutes.

"I agree with Thierry Henry. I think it's time for the new generation, for the youngsters to flourish. I'm not saying he should leave, I'm saying he could come off perhaps 35 minutes from the end, because he hasn't been in the best condition and doesn't contribute as much as he used to," he told A BOLA's reporting team.

Rounding out the panel, Colombian Sheyla García Pérez, special correspondent for Win Sports, dismisses tactical arguments and focuses on the psychological weight the forward carries for opponents, advocating for his presence in the starting lineup.

"I don't understand how there can be a debate about whether he should play or not. Cristiano's aura has something unique that makes you look at him and realize he's something else. When you see him up close, training or playing, you feel the weight of a living legend. Leave him out of the starting eleven? How can the coach do without that? When you're on the field and you look at him, you feel the whole world there. And for opponents, it's a terrible impact. He might not be in his most viral or spectacular moment, but he plays with his heart, and his nobility leads this team. For me, Portugal is a title favorite with him leading on the pitch. There's no way to take him out," concluded Sheyla Pérez.