2018 FIFA WC: 3 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo might not be over-burdened in Russia


XtraTime Web Desk:
Despite the superiority in World football, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo suffer a lot during the FIFA World Cups. The lack of support creates serious problems for these two genius in lifting their teams towards the glory. Though, things might be different for Portugal this time, as they have three outstanding young talents, who might release the pressure on Ronaldo in Russia.

Bernardo Silva, 24

Manchester City, winger

Having worked his way into the squad over the year preceding EURO 2016, a hamstring injury robbed the exciting winger of a potential winner’s medal. Since then, he’s made up for missing out by stocking his trophy cabinet with league titles in both France and England, having played his part in exceptional seasons for Monaco and Manchester City.

While limited to a supporting role under Pep Guardiola so far, he did get to show his silky touch and rapid changes of velocity at the FIFA Confederations Cup, and will be out to cause a stir again in Russia.

Bruno Fernandes, 23
Sporting CP, attacking midfielder

Surprsingly, Fernandes had to make his name in Italy before getting the chance to impress back on home soil. Having become a regular with Udinese when aged just 19, and then at Sampdoria, the creative midfielder has spent this season at Sporting. No-one provided the team with more assists in the Primeira Liga in his debut season, while Bas Dost was their only player to outscore him.

While still waiting for his first competitive cap since his debut in 2017, he did appear at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016.

Andre Silva, AC Milan
AC Milan, striker

While a challenging debut season in Italy has left sparkling expectations tarnished a little, the centre-forward’s record in the colours of his country remains exceptional. A rate of more than a goal every other game sees him stand on 12 so far, ten of which have come in competitive matches. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more in Fernando Santos’s provisional squad.

Having netted once at the Confederations Cup, with four already to his name at the 2015 U-20 World Cup, the former Porto man has shown he can do it in tournament football too.