As one of the greatest football players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has proven himself to be a formidable force on the field. Known for his speed, agility, and exceptional scoring abilities, Ronaldo has won countless awards, set numerous records, and amassed a legion of fans around the world. And yet, like every player, even Ronaldo has weaknesses that can be exploited by his opponents.
So what are Ronaldo’s main weaknesses on the pitch? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Heading
While Ronaldo is known for his stunning free kicks and precise footwork, his heading abilities are often criticized. Despite his height and jumping abilities, he doesn’t often score goals with his head and sometimes struggles to connect with crosses and long balls from his teammates. Moreover, defenders often know how to neutralize Ronaldo’s heading skills by simply marking him tightly or positioning themselves effectively during set pieces.
2. Team Play
Ronaldo is undoubtedly a talented player, but sometimes he can be criticized for being too focused on his own performance. He has been known to hog the ball and neglect his teammates, especially when he is eager to score or make a play. As a result, he may miss easy passes or fail to create opportunities for his teammates, which can hinder the overall teamwork of the squad.
3. Tracking Back
Ronaldo is an attacking player and prefers to spend most of the game in the opponent’s half, but sometimes he can neglect his defensive duties. He doesn’t always track back to help his defenders, which can leave his team exposed to counterattacks or fast breaks. Moreover, he sometimes takes too long to react to defensive situations, which can be disastrous for his team’s defense.
4. Age and Injury
Ronaldo is now 36 years old, and his age is starting to show on the pitch. He has been struggling with injuries in recent years, which have forced him to miss games and sometimes perform below par. During the 2020-2021 season, he missed several crucial games due to an ankle injury, which may have slowed him down in some matches. As he ages, his physical abilities may decline, which could make it harder for him to compete at the highest level.
5. Tackling and Defensive Skills
While Ronaldo is a great attacking player, his defensive skills are often overlooked. He doesn’t make many tackles or interceptions, and sometimes struggles to win the ball back from his opponents. Moreover, when he does tackle, he is often reckless and commits fouls, which can result in yellow or red cards and hurt his team’s chances of winning.
Despite these weaknesses, Ronaldo remains one of the greatest football players of all time. His strengths far outweigh his weaknesses, and he continues to push himself and his teammates to achieve greatness on the pitch. By recognizing and addressing his weaknesses, he can continue to improve and evolve as a player for years to come.
