Lee Dixon has slammed Bruno Fernandes' performance in Portugal's 4-2 defeat to Germany at Euro 2020.
The Manchester United talisman started in his preferred number ten role as the reigning European champions looked to secure qualification from the group of death with a win and took the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo after a swift counter-attack.
But Germany soon took control of the game and raced into a 3-1 lead just after half-time, with Fernandes struggling throughout proceedings.
That led to ITV pundit and former Arsenal defender Dixon to take a swipe at him, claiming he had no urgency to his play. With Fernandes struggling to make any sort of impact at all, Dixon commented: "Someone needs to tell Fernandes he's 3-1 down. He is just strolling on the ball.
"He had a chance then to run into space and commit a few players ahead of him. No energy in his run at all."
Fernandes then gave the ball away as Germany went on to score a fourth before the hour mark and Portugal boss Fernando Santos responded by substituting the attacking midfielder with Wolves veteran Joao Moutinho.
That allowed Dixon to take an extra dig at the 26-year-old when Moutinho played a good pass between the lines, as he claimed: "He's had more impact already than Fernandes."
Germany's victory means that Group F is wide open, with all four teams still capable of qualifying on the final day. Fernandes could find his place in the team under threat when Portugal take on France on Wednesday, knowing a draw would likely secure them a place in the round of 16.
