Shearer suggests Martinez may not be able to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo

Alan Shearer has questioned the balance of power within Portugal's setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez might not be "allowed" to substitute captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old is competing in what is likely his final World Cup, and debate over his place in the starting XI has intensified after Portugal's draw with DR Congo.

Shearer said Ronaldo’s status could complicate Portugal’s tactical flexibility, warning that the forward “is that powerful” and may not accept a reduced role. He added that while he would start Ronaldo in the next game, he would expect him to be taken off if it did not work, and noted the veteran “hasn't scored for a while in a Portugal shirt and he's nowhere near his best.” The former Newcastle striker contrasted Ronaldo’s opening-game frustrations with Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria, saying Messi looked “as good as ever” and suggesting that watching Messi might have affected Ronaldo psychologically.

Portugal

cristiano ronaldo, roberto martinez, alan shearer, portugal, world cup, dr congo, lionel messi, algeria, starting xi, substitution