Few nations in world football have a stable of forwards as impressive as Portugal’s.

Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva are all 25 and under. Then there is the small matter of the highest-scoring player in European history, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ahead of Portugal’s World Cup 2022 qualifier against Luxembourg tonight, we take a closer look at 36-year-old Ronaldo’s influence on his team-mates and evolving role in the team. 

Attacking array

Having such a wealth of attacking talent makes Portugal coach Fernando Santos the envy of many. 

Yet finding a way to piece everything together without compromising the individual quality of any player is a less enviable challenge. 

It has meant Santos adapting his preferred shape from a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders to a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1, which calls upon three attackers. 

The results have been devastating. Ronaldo has bagged 17 goals in his last 16 matches for Portugal over the past two years, including three hat-tricks. 

Ronaldo’s evolution

At a club level, Ronaldo has gradually evolved from fleet-footed winger to devastating inside forward and now fulfils the role of line-leading No9 for Juventus. 

But on the international front he tends to alternate between starting on the left and playing through the middle. 

You do not reach 102 international goals in 172 caps by hugging the touchline for 90 minutes, after all. 

He always gives 100 per cent when he comes to the national team Fernando Santos on Cristiano Ronaldo

Such is his predatory instinct, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United talisman needs little invitation to drive inside from the left, creating space for left-back Raphael Guerreiro to bomb on. 

The young pretenders

The rise to prominence of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Silva has allowed Ronaldo to move out to the left in recent internationals. 

Silva, 24, is currently enjoying the best season of his career, hitting 21 Bundesliga goals from just 24 starts — and in doing so, outperforming his expected goals total of 18. 

The former Porto forward, whose previous best was 16 goals for the Dragons in 2016-17, has even outscored Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski this season. 

On the right, Manchester City’s workaholic winger Bernardo Silva shares duties with Wolves’ breakout star Neto, while Jota can fill in on either flank and his double in the 2-2 draw with Serbia on Saturday took his tally to five goals in just four senior starts.

Capable of playing anywhere across the forward line is Felix — the third-most expensive player ever at £114million and the heir to Ronaldo’s crown. 

As if those options were not enough, Benfica star Pizzi provides yet another alternative. 

A living legend

While Ronaldo's on-field performances showcase his talent, his qualities as a leader and talisman are equally impressive. 

Santos said: "When Cristiano is with the national team, he always comes with the same vision, the same passion, the same will, the same joy.

"He always gives 100 per cent when he comes to the national team." 

Andre Silva once described Ronaldo as his ‘big idol’, while Jota, speaking after moving to Liverpool, revealed his admiration for the legend. 

Jota said: "Cristiano was my hero. At that time, he was 19 but he was already playing at the Euros with so much quality. 

"During my childhood, he was at Manchester United and Real Madrid. As Portuguese guys, we always looked upon him as our main reference."

Felix, Atletico’s record signing, told friends Ronaldo looked exactly like he did on the PlayStation when they first met. 

Legacy

With the Nations League and European Championship trophies already glistening in a personal trophy cabinet groaning under the weight of its contents, Ronaldo and Portugal have one thing in mind — the 2022 World Cup. 

Secure the ultimate prize in international football and Ronaldo’s legacy will break new ground.

And he will leave the future of Portuguese football in rude health to boot.