Taylor Twellman was not about to let Cristiano Ronaldo’s quiet World Cup opener pass without revisiting the criticism he had already taken.
Before the tournament, the former MLS striker and current analyst suggested Portugal might actually play better without Ronaldo in the starting lineup. After Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo, that argument suddenly looked a lot stronger.
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in Houston, but failed to score and did not register a shot on target as Roberto Martinez’s side dropped points in Group K.
Taylor Twellman Cristiano Ronaldo comments resurface after DR Congo draw
Taylor Twellman responded to the backlash he had received after saying Portugal could be better without Ronaldo in the lineup.
Twellman wrote: “Wait wait……you guys told me I was an ignorant American who should talk tackle football.”
His post referred back to a May 27 appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, when he argued that this was the strongest Portugal squad Ronaldo had ever played with, and that the team might function better without him on the pitch.
That was always going to stir debate. Ronaldo remains one of the game’s all-time greats, and for many fans, questioning his place in the team still feels like crossing a line.
Portugal attack gives Ronaldo debate another uncomfortable layer
The DR Congo match made the debate harder to dismiss. Portugal started well, with Joao Neves scoring in the sixth minute, but Yoane Wissa equalized in first-half stoppage time and Portugal never found a winner.
Ronaldo, now 41 and playing club soccer for Al-Nassr, stayed on the pitch while Martinez substituted other attacking and creative players.
That is why Twellman’s point resonates. Portugal have enormous talent around Ronaldo, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos, which makes the tactical question sharper.
The argument is not about Ronaldo’s legacy. It is about whether Portugal’s movement, pressing and attacking rhythm are better with younger forwards leading the line.
After one disappointing opener, Twellman has not been proved right for the whole tournament. But he has earned the right to ask why his take sounded so outrageous in the first place.
Read more:
