How do we stop Ronaldo? It’s complicated, admits France boss Deschamps

The 45-year-old believes the Real Madrid forward will need "special attention" ahead Saturday's friendly against Portugal

France coach Didier Deschamps admits stopping Cristiano Ronaldo will be "complicated" during Saturday's friendly with Portugal.

The 29-year-old scored his third hat-trick in four games in Real Madrid's 5-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to take his tally to 13 goals in just six league matches this season.

Ronaldo struggled with injury during Portugal's sub-par World Cup campaign in the summer but Deschamps concedes that restricting the forward could allow Portugal's other players to flourish.

"It's complicated," said the France coach. "This is a player who has a very high efficiency. The people who will come to the stadium will be happy to see him. I do not know if he will play or how long he will play since Portugal has an important game three days later.

"It takes a special attention, of course. In one against one, he manages to make a difference. Limiting his influence to his team is something important but it also allows more freedom for those who are around him."