That generation wasn't very good. Not sure how they made it to the final. Like I said, SCP usually ends up on top in these sorts of things. But right now the U17's, U16's, etc are overwhelmingly Benfica. Not that it matters.
FPF is heavily Pro-Benfica Winning at youth isnt important, what matters is developing the fundamental skills when they are young, and integrating them into the first team... its an entire process and nobody does it as good as... O GRANDE SPORTING CLUBE DE PORTUGAL
Not that difficult. Young players need the opportunity to play at the next level. The better the competition, the better they develop. Second, they need a coach that is good with youth. Not all coaches are good with young players. Sporting have both of these things working for them. Benfica have the talent but have yet proven that they are willing to give the Portuguese youth that opportunity. Benfica are producing at the youth level, its the next stepp that has let its youth down.
Benfica sliced Madrid open at ease, it was impressive, should e a good final. At the moment I would defintey say that 1995,1996,1997 are Benficas ages group, 1998 is Portos. I honestly believe benfica is doing great things at Seixal and all we need is for one of youth to have a season similar to what William has had and the perception will change.
Do you think that JJ is the coach that will give these players an honest chance ? I have very strong reservations.
I don't know, as Cancelo and Bernardo are more than ready for the first team but never seem to get more than extended squad calls.
I'd like to see Benfica do what Sporting have done recently. Try loaning some guys out. If these guys are not going to get a chance with the first team, loan them out like Sporting did with William at Cercle Brugges or Joao Mario at Setubal.
Did not see the game, but apparently Barcelona beat Benfica 3-0 to win the Youth Champions League. No shame in losing to the best youth system in the world though.
I watched the match and Benfica was the better side IMO, but Barcelona were clinical. Adama Traore was an absolute beast for Barca and was IMO the man of the match. If you take Traore out of Barca and Benfica were superior, their finishing however was horendous, Balde's missed penalty was the moment when i thought that its just not Benficas day. Guzzo missing was a big loss no disrespect to Gilson Costa, I personally also believe Hildeberto shouldve started ahead of Nuno Santos. Romario Balde and Goncalo Guedes were infuriating today, they are 2 of the best prospects Benfica has had upfront in a very long time but they were so immature in their play. I fully agree with them being left off the u19s roster as they are showing a lack of maturity to play up a year for the U19 Seleccao. Rebocho is being heavily touted at benfica as a future first team LB but im really not convinced and Portos Rafa at the same age is miles ahead of him. i think they should be happy with the overall performance in this tournament and look to next year with optimism, some goode kids from the 17s mixed in with the current crop should be fine.
Between the two it's a toss up at this point..I prefer Bernardo Silva to both but jesus hasn't given him a opportunity yet.
Sportings youth team next season isn't at Benficas level, if any of the Portuguese teams will win it next year it Will be Benfica
Can someone explain with pictures to our resident special needs child that his post doesn't belong in this thread???
Perhaps you misread my post, not sure what ballon dors have to do with sportings juniores team for next season. The reality is that Guedes, Balde and hildeberto will all still be eligible next season and benficas Juvenis team is superior to sportings so I don't think its a long bow to draw to say that benfica will again be portugals best chance next season.
not sure if anyone has watched much of this kid but his style is very similar to Ronaldo, hopefully Benfica can hold off Milan and PSG from stealing him
That kid is Portuguese?? I saw a program on him in Portugal last year at the mall (so no sound), and I figured he was Spanish. Why is he in Malaga??
Hopefully this kid doesn't become the next Fabio Paim. And yes, he is Portuguese. Born in Lisboa. Should have stayed at Sporting. http://www.zerozero.pt/jogador.php?id=75453&epoca_id=143 Great skills for a youngster...