As one of the most celebrated football players in the world, it is not easy to scrutinize and point out the weaknesses of Cristiano Ronaldo’s gameplay. He has been a prolific scorer, an exceptional dribbler, and a great team player for well over a decade.
However, every player, regardless of their stature, has areas in their game that need improvement. Ronaldo’s case is not different, and here are some areas where the Portuguese forward could perform better and help hone his gameplay, as follows:
1. Defensive Contribution
One of the main weaknesses of Ronaldo’s gameplay is his contribution to the defensive aspect of the game. While Ronaldo’s primary role has always been to score goals and create chances, a top-class footballer like him should also be able to contribute defensively.
In comparison to other top footballers, Ronaldo rarely drops back to win the ball or help out his defenders. His defensive work rate is relatively low, especially when compared to someone like Lionel Messi.
2. Team Play
Another area where Ronaldo’s gameplay could use some improvement is his ability to work as a team player. While Ronaldo is a fantastic goal scorer and an exceptional dribbler, he sometimes tends to rely too much on his individual skills, which can cause the team’s play to suffer.
In contrast, players like Lionel Messi and Neymar are known for their ability to create scoring chances for their teammates, and they are more involved in team play, playing as per the team’s strategy.
3. Physicality
Ronaldo has long been known for his athletic abilities, but his physicality has become a real weakness in his gameplay. He is sometimes seen struggling against defenders who are bigger and stronger than him, and it can sometimes take a toll on his ability to influence the game.
It is evident in matches where Ronaldo is marked out by a defender or the opposition team chooses to play a physical game against him. With age catching up, Ronaldo has lost some of his agility and ability to turn and twist past defenders and must adapt his game accordingly.
4. Decision Making
While Ronaldo’s goal-scoring abilities are beyond reproach, his decision-making skills can occasionally let him down. There are times when he tries to do too much individually and takes a wrong decision, which leads to losing possession by the team.
In critical games where the stakes are high, such mistakes can be costly, and this is where Ronaldo needs to make a conscious effort to make better decisions and exhibit more patience.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo is a football superstar who has achieved exceptional success in his career. Despite his strengths, however, there are some weaknesses in his gameplay that need improvement. These include his defensive contribution, team play, physicality, and decision-making skills.
While Ronaldo has long been a goal-scoring machine and earned immense success, work could be done to refine his game further, making him an even more well-rounded player, capable of contributing that much more to his team’s attack and defensive play.
