Qatar 2022: Jaap Stam Bluntly States the Truth About Cristiano Ronaldo in Video

• People of the Netherlands are renowned for being forthright when communicating in English
• This reputation was clear when legendary defender Jaap Stam discussed Cristiano Ronaldo
• The coach did not hold back criticism for CR7 and Portugal ahead of their Switzerland clash

SuperSport cannot be faulted for acquiring knowledgeable and forthright pundits.

This was on show when former Netherlands, Manchester United and AC Milan defender, Jaap Stam gave his thoughts during a 2022 FIFA World Cup broadcast.

He did not hold back when discussing Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's prospects in the tournament.

He said to Thomas Mlambo, ahead of a potential Round of 16 banana skin fixture against Switzerland, that he had a 'question mark' over Portugal.

"[Portugal] have got very good and talented players. I am looking for fluidity from these particular players. I think their coach is a different coach from what we are accustomed to nowadays."

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: When Argentina star 'stole' a goal amidst Ronaldo's World Cup 2022 concerns

Football

Turning to Ronaldo, he stated the player had not performed and was not the same striker in recent years as he was in the past.

"He's not the same player anymore. Yes, he is still a world-class finisher, but now he waits a lot more for the ball to finish, instead of doing what he did before as a young player - looking for it and creating chances."

Portugal fans want Ronaldo dropped

A resounding 70 per cent of Portugal fans want Ronaldo dropped for their clash against Switzerland on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo and his teammates will lock horns with Switzerland in a last 16 World Cup clash at the Lusail Stadium, with the winner facing either Morocco or Spain in the quarter-finals.

However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner may not get the opportunity to get his fourth start in Qatar, if a survey conducted by a Portuguese newspaper is anything to go by.

Suarez, Cavani muted at World Cup but Uruguay coach under fire

Football

Portugal boss addresses Ronaldo’s behaviour

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has broken his silence about Ronaldo's reaction to being substituted against South Korea.

Ronaldo's reactions after being subbed off annoyed his boss, but Santos felt the matter had been dealt with and he deemed it closed.

The Portugal icon has scored just one goal in Qatar and will have a chance to add to his tally when they play Switzerland in the last 16.