Portugal picked up a 9-0 win over Luxembourg on Monday, as the squad is in the driver’s seat to clinch a spot in the 2024 UEFA Euros. Roberto Martinez and Co. are atop Group J with 18 points.
Furthermore, Portugal has to begin thinking about life without Cristiano Ronaldo. In the lopsided victory, many of the young talents that Martinez is banking on for the 2026 World Cup appeared on the score sheet.
One of the players is Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos. The 22-year-old provided a brace in the first half. After the contest, the Spanish tactician spoke about what he saw from the group that looked to carry the baton from the 38-year-old.
“Gonçalo Ramos showed today what he can do, and Diogo Jota did the same,” Martinez said. “We need players who have the level to win games.The group is special. We don’t need to compare them. Cristiano is important, but our team is ready to win without him.”
Robert Martinez:
“Gonçalo Ramos showed today what he can do, and Diogo Jota did the same. We need players who have the level to win games.The group is special. We don't need to compare them. Cristiano is important, but our team is ready to win without him.” pic.twitter.com/03j3YRg3Jz
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) September 11, 2023
Ramos arrived at PSG this summer but will have to compete for minutes for the No. 9 role with Randal Kolo Muani, now in Paris. Nonetheless, with the number of positions that Portugal has in their attack, he should be used to trying to beat out a player at his level.