Portugal coach Roberto Martinez admits that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo remains a “very important” player after scoring his second successive brace in Euro 2024 qualifying against Luxembourg.

The 38-year-old opened the scoring for the 2016 Euro champions by redirecting a header from Nuno Mendes and added another goal in the 31st minute as Portugal won 6-0.

Ronaldo also scored twice against Liechtenstein on Thursday, bringing his total number of international appearances and goals to 198 and 122, respectively.

“Cristiano is a unique player in the world, with the highest number of international caps,” said Martinez, who has restored Ronaldo to the starting line-up after he was dropped during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“The experience he has for the dressing room is very important.

“All players have an important role. The younger ones due to their willingness to play and players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rui Patricio and Bernardo Silva bring experience.

“It’s important to have a complete dressing room.”

After the World Cup, Martinez replaced Fernando Santos, who had been in charge of Portugal since 2014.

The Spaniard’s team is two points clear at the top of Group J after scoring 10 goals without conceding a single goal.

In Luxembourg, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, Otavio, and Rafael Leao also registered goals.

Photo by EPA/MIGUEL A. LOPES