Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has insisted his old team- mate Nani has all the natural ability to succeed, but is not consistent enough.
Nani played 88 minutes as Portugal could only manage their second draw of Euro 2016 against Austria on Saturday night at the Parc des Princes.
The result leaves Portugal third in Group F heading into the final round of pool fixtures, and Nani and his teammates must ensure they get a positive result against Hungary to ensure their passage into the knockout phase.
Nani did manage to score in his team’s first game against Iceland, but is the tournament’s second highest shot taker with eight – behind only teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
And Ferdinand believes Nani’s problem is not a lack of quality but rather consistently making the right decisions in the final third of the pitch.
“In terms of natural ability this kid has got everything,” Ferdinand told BBC Sport. “He can stop and start a defender, he’s good in the air, his technique is brilliant. But it’s his consistency which lets him down.
“It’s getting it all together. It’s alright saying he’s good at this, he’s good at that. Sometimes it’s mental strength and being able to package it all together and getting out and doing it when the time is right.
“Make decisions in the final third: do you pass, do you try and take someone else on? The best players invariably make that decision.”
Nani had an impressive season for Fenerbahce in the Turkish top flight, scoring eight goals and creating 65 chances, but has failed to live up to the potential he was billed to when he signed for United back in 2007.
Now 29, this tournament could reflect one of Nani’s final chances to deliver a strong performance at a major tournament and he will be desperate to ensure his side can secure their qualification from the group when they play Hungary on Wednesday.
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