The Five Shields are transitioning from the "C Ronaldo era" to the "multi-core system
When different generations of Portuguese jerseys are displayed together on the training ground, this squad, now in a crucial transition period, is charting the football narrative of the transition from the "Cristiano Ronaldo era" to a "multi-core system." Martinez's selection strategy balances experience and potential, preserving the core structure of a championship-caliber squad while creating room for growth for newcomers, allowing the Five Shields to revitalize the team through tradition.
The most striking change to the roster is the restructuring of the defense. With Pepe's retirement and Danilo Pereira's omission, the center-backs have entered a new phase: Ruben Dias, averaging 3.2 clearances per game, has become the absolute core, and his precise distribution remains the starting point of the attack. 21-year-old Renato Vega, a left-footed newcomer, fills the defensive void on the left side with his 1.90-meter height. The full-back positions also saw rotation. With Cancelo sidelined due to adapting to the Saudi league, 22-year-old Thiago Santos received his debut, forming a wide formation alongside Dalot and Nuno Mendes, each emphasizing offensive and defensive attributes. Diogo Costa and José Sa secured their starting positions in goal, while the addition of Rui Silva further strengthened the defensive depth.
The "Bayern + Manchester City" duo in midfield is maturing. Palinea, who joined Bayern, provides a defensive barrier with an average of 4.1 tackles per game, and his tough interceptions are crucial in curbing counterattacks. The "double-Si" partnership of B Silva and B Fee continues to work well together, with the former creating space through off-ball movement and the latter controlling the attack with an average of 5.2 key passes per game. The young midfielders of João Neves and Vitinha provide technical dynamism, complementing Rubén Neves' experience and ensuring a midfield balance between toughness and refinement.
The rotation of forwards conceals tactical ingenuity. At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo still holds a strong position, his 62% aerial success rate and nose for the penalty area remaining a powerful finishing weapon. Martinez also called up Sporting Lisbon's three forwards, injecting fresh blood into the attacking line with Trincao's dribbling, Pedro Gonçalves's shooting, and Cunda's versatile positional adaptability. Rafael Leão, returning from injury, has enhanced his wing penetration with a sprint speed of 36 km/h, creating a multi-faceted attacking line alongside Diogo Jota.
The biggest challenge for the lineup lies in the interplay between the old and new. Antonio Silva, despite his European Championship experience, still needs to overcome his mistakes, and newcomer Thiago Santos will need to quickly adapt to the pace of the tournament. However, Martinez's strategic planning is clear. By retaining eight forwards and offering flexible rotation in the midfield, he is gradually building a system with a solid core and diverse capabilities. Those Portuguese jerseys flying on the field carry the legendary afterglow of Cristiano Ronaldo and also nurture the growth power of a new generation. This is the key to the continued competitiveness of the Five Shield Army.
