Cristiano Ronaldo‘s season will only really get up and running when he gets on the scoresheet, and he hopes to break his duck this week.
Ronaldo has only started one out of six matches, although he has looked bright in his recent cameo performances.
While Manchester United are a little less dependent on Ronaldo, at international level Portugal are going to be relying on him for the World Cup later this year.
Ronaldo’s former Portugal teammate Luis Figo is confident Ronaldo will be a big contributor for his country in Qatar, despite his slow start to the season.
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Luis Figo talks up Cristiano Ronaldo
Figo told O Jogo he backs Ronaldo to give his absolute best for Portugal, to the maximum he is physically capable of.
He said: “Nobody has doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s quality, delivery and professionalism.
“I’m sure he’ll perform at the World Cup in the best possible conditions, I don’t know what those conditions will be.
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“But without a doubt, due to his quality and his great professionalism, I think Portugal can be calm about what it can give to the national team.”
Ronaldo’s slow start to the season could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Portugal, giving him a little extra rest.
Manchester United have a hectic schedule in October, with 10 matches, and Portugal certainly won’t want him playing in all 10 games.
Ronaldo’s decreased importance for United may not last, he could soon get back to being first choice, but if he doesn’t, then he will be a little more rested for the World Cup.
The World Cup is the one trophy missing from Ronaldo’s career collection, and while Portugal are not among the top favourites, Figo is right that he will give everything he possibly can to try and make it happen.