Merih Demiral has warned his Turkey team-mates that Cristiano Ronaldo is as dangerous as ever.

Portugal captain Ronaldo, whose team face the Turks today on Saturday, is 39 and competing at his sixth Euros.

Demiral insists the striker remains a big threat after facing him in the Saudi Pro League last season. The center-back turned out for Al-Ahli against Ronaldo’s side, Al Nassr.

“He is a very professional player, who sets an example for everyone,” said Demiral.

“He was in good shape when we played against each other in Saudi Arabia. He hasn’t lost anything. He is always very dangerous, a very big player.

"It is not easy to score this amount of goals at the age of 39. Of course, we need to be very careful as a defense."

Portugal and Turkey won their opening matches, with the latter top of Group F due to a superior goal difference.

Both sides can book a spot in the last-16 with a win, and Portugal forward Diogo Jota believes that could make for an open match.

The new sensation of Turkey Arda Guler who is already being compared with Lionel Messi commented, “We've never won against Portugal in official matches in our history, I hope this will be a first.”

Guler has already inscribed his name in the record book scoring against Georgia in his debut in Euro. It was for the third time in history that a teenager had scored a goal on his first Euros appearance. And the last time somebody had done it, Guler wasn’t born yet. Yes, it was Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal in 2004. 

Until Tuesday, the Portugal superstar also held the record for the youngest scorer on a Euros debut. Guler may be drawing comparisons with Messi in terms of how he plays, he is now also indelibly connected to Ronaldo through his feat. 

Güler had a difficult start at Real Madrid but coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks highly of him, saying: "Arda has a gift. The ball loves him."

The Turkish media was naturally ecstatic after Tuesday's game, with TRT Sport saying: "He won't be the man of the match but the man of Euro 2024."

Güler told Euro2024.com: "I am really happy that we got the win and that I scored. The atmosphere here is spectacular. We are stronger with our fans. I am so happy that we made them happy with the goal I scored and the win we secured."