Taylor Twellman, speaking on ESPN's Get Up, posits that Portugal might be fielding their strongest FIFA World Cup team ever, suggesting they could be more effective without Cristiano Ronaldo starting. While Ronaldo remains a legendary figure and captain, Twellman highlights that at 41 years old, he no longer provides the same level of pressing and movement, which are essential for a dynamic team structure. Portugal's current roster features a wealth of talent, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Goncalo Ramos, enabling a more fluid attacking style that does not rely solely on Ronaldo. This was evident during the 2022 World Cup when Ronaldo was benched against Switzerland, leading to a decisive 6-1 victory. Twellman emphasizes that while Ronaldo's experience and finishing skills are invaluable, the team's depth might allow them to thrive without adjusting their entire strategy around him. The emerging question is whether Portugal's optimal performance could come from utilizing Ronaldo in a more limited capacity.