“Use him, not compete”: Javier Hernandez says Portugal must play to Ronaldo’s strengths this summer | OneFootball

Javier Hernandez has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo can still star for Portugal this summer and has urged his teammates to better use the forward.

Ronaldo's place in the Portugal team has been a talking point throughout theWorld Cup, with the veteran's role criticised as Roberto Martinez's side drew with DR Congo in their opening game.

The Al-Nassr forward has since scored three goals in three games, including a penalty as Portugal beat Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday.

Ronaldo had earlier had an effort disallowed for a marginal offside, though his run and finish caught Hernandez's eye.

Ronaldo is international football's record scorer with 146 goals in 232 caps and Hernandez has urged Portugal to maximise his strengths.

The former Manchester United and Mexico forward toldFOX Sports that Portugal should learn from how Argentina's attack revolves around Lionel Messi.

“I hope the midfielders of Portugal can do that”: Hernandez wants team built around Ronaldo like Messi’s Argentina

"After the first match, Cristiano was criticised, that he couldn't score, he was a problem, he shouldn't start," Hernandez said.

"Then the second game, they create chances. He had chances, he put the ball in the back of the net. He has 975 goals in his bag. Then, 41-years-old, he does that run in behind at almost 19mph. 41 years old, he can still run, but he's not going to run 20 runs like that.

"The best example is Lautaro Martinez in the Argentinean national team. He's the star and the main man at Inter Milan in Italy. Then he goes to the national team and he has to do whatever they ask of him to help (Lionel) Messi.

"I hope the midfielders of Portugal can do that. They need to realise the player they have in front of them and, instead of competing, use him."