Belgium vs Portugal: 5 players to watch out for | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Pepe (Portugal)

Pepe has been the bedrock of Portugal defence over the last few years

Portugal's Pepe, who turned 38 in February, is still going strong. But he often gets overlooked in conversations about players aged 35 and above who are still operating at the highest level.

Pepe is coming off a great season with Porto. Though his club could not retain their league title, Pepe helped the Portuguese giants beat Juventus in the Champions League and reach the quarter-finals.

At Euro 2020, he has recovered more balls than any other Portugal player and has also won four tackles in three games thus far. His experience makes him one of the key players for Fernando Santos. Pepe will be given the huge task of keeping Belgium's Romelu Lukaku quiet when the two teams lock horns on Sunday.

---

#2 Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is a player who possesses the ability to do it all on the pitch. He is great from set-pieces, can score with either foot, create chances out of nothing and has the presence of mind to know when to shoot and when to pass.

He has been in the form of his life for club and country in the last few years. De Bruyne made a swift recovery from a fractured eye socket in the Champions League final about a month ago. In his first game at Euro 2020, the Belgium midfielder scored a goal and an assist against Denmark.

Kevin De Bruyne fractured his nose and eye socket during the UEFA Champions League final on May 29.A little over two weeks later, he needed just 45 minutes to grab a goal and assist for Belgium's comeback victory vs. Denmark in his Euro debut. 💪 BELGIUM'S HERO 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/AZcP5e0Z4s

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2021

He is one of the first names in the Belgium teamsheet and is said to be back to full fitness ahead of the clash against Portugal. De Bruyne is a central figure in Belgium's so-called golden generation and will be expected to produce a top-notch performance against Portugal.

---

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo has single-handedly kept Portugal's hopes of retaining the Euro title alive.

It is difficult not to become a one-man team when you have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo in your ranks.

Portugal were drawn in Group F, alongside France, Germany and Hungary in the 'group of death' at Euro 2020. One of the big reasons they managed to secure a spot in the knockout stage was because of Ronaldo's six goal contributions (five goals, one assist).

He has already surpassed his tally of three goals in Portugal's title-winning run at Euro 2016. With 109 goals, Ronaldo is on the cusp of becoming the most prolific amle goalscorer in international football.

Cristiano Ronaldo at #EURO2020 so far:3️⃣ Games5️⃣ Goalspic.twitter.com/9KySqQJTPC

— Goal (@goal) June 25, 2021

The Juventus star's drive and dedication towards being the best player in the world is unparalleled. At the business end of tournaments, like the Round-of-16 clash against Belgium at Euro 2020, Ronaldo tends to up the ante, something the Red Devils will have to be wary of.

Ronaldo is arguably the single biggest threat for Belgium if they wish to progress further at Euro 2020.

---