The years seem to be flying by and while most prospects we bet out first born child on havnt panned out lol there have been some absolute gems and it seems as though that won't be ending anytime soon. The B teams have done the job I personally though they would and I also think another factor we havnt focussed on is, the fact that the Portuguese economy continues to struggle and these hard times give motivation for kids from poorer families to make it as pros, I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this point. I'm excited to see players like Dalot, Gomes, break through in the b teams, players like D.Goncalves, A.Silva make first team spots their own and established players the R&N Semedo's, Madeiros, Neves Rony Lopes take their games to the level where they are certainties for the AA squad and maybe even a revival of some talented favourites like Bruma and Oliveira reviving their careers. So much to look forward, so much passion biased views to come. We wouldn't have it any other way
The years seem to be flying by and while most prospects we bet out first born child on havnt panned out lol there have been some absolute gems and it seems as though that won't be ending anytime soon. The B teams have done the job I personally though they would and I also think another factor we havnt focussed on is, the fact that the Portuguese economy continues to struggle and these hard times give motivation for kids from poorer families to make it as pros, I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this point. I'm excited to see players like Dalot, Gomes, break through in the b teams, players like D.Goncalves, A.Silva make first team spots their own and established players the R&N Semedo's, Madeiros, Neves Rony Lopes take their games to the level where they are certainties for the AA squad and maybe even a revival of some talented favourites like Bruma and Oliveira reviving their careers. So much to look forward, so much passion biased views to come. We wouldn't have it any other way
It is great to think about our future. Our youth squads are so dominant that there is almost no way we still won't be a top 10 nation (not to jinx it). I believe we are producing many quality players now from a huge mixer of things. 1) Ronaldo - I believe that every kid growing up in Portugal wants to be like him if they enjoy futebol. 2) You're right most people in Portugal are making 450 euros a month which is not a life of luxury and they want to be these rich and famous guys and in Portugal (instead of countries like the United States where you can become a famous actor or singer) you can really only become a famous futebol player. 3) Also, African nations, I hate to say it.. but we are becoming more like France we have less and less actual Portuguese people and more and more Africans who come here (to Portugal) to try and live better lives. I mean I personally don't care as long as it translates to more wins and they play with heart.
I edited the spreadsheet of last season that went inactive since end of last year. I hope I'm able to keep it updated at least on a monthly basis. I changed the concept to most notable players of U-25. I erased a bunch of players on a decline (and with no reputation in the country), added a very small crop of the U-17 european champions, a few from the current U-19 team and kept some doubtful players depending on what they do in the Olympics. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yGdZZBB9s7iWD7ci6XFfhDUZKRbmlMuTGqNGSPWvhNs/edit?usp=sharing
Juventus have added to their Portuguese contingent in the academy. Italian born Luso Pedro Justiniano one of Portugals best CB prospects will be joined in the academy by Joao Serrao - CB from Porto, Ricardo Campos - striker from Benfica and Afonso Freitas - fullback from Vitoria, all three are 16 from the very talented 2000 generation
This is nothing new, Portugal NT always had a contingent of African descent players since the 1950s, 60s , etc
Portugal is a unique country. A lot of our past colonies still support us and if they have a choice to represent their country or Portugal, they pick us. I was in Timor Leste for two weeks last year and despite many that I met not speaking Portuguese, they were fans of Portugal and Ronaldo. I have no issue with our nation being 'multicultural'. The national team shows our history and a present.
Fantastic move, only a handful of Portuguese players have played for Barcelona I believe. He'll only get better there
Figo , simão , deco, Quaresma , baia , couto off the top of my head It's actually been more Than most other top clubs- probably the most in fact
Real Madrid have had Figo , Ronaldo , Pepe and secretario (lol) Inter have had Figo , Paulo Sousa Juve - Paulo Sousa , Rui barris Man utd - Ronaldo , Nani Ac Milan I only think Rui Costa passed through there and futre briefly Barcelona is actually the big club that's had more Portuguese players I belive
True man, look at the backbone of the Magriços from 1966, Vicente Lucas and Hilário in the defense, Coluna commanding the troops from the midfield and Eusébio upfront scoring left and right.
Real had more. Cristiano Ronaldo, Fábio Coentrão, Luís Figo, Pedro Mendes, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho and Carlos Secretário. Edgar Pacheco also signed for them but never played any game, and they have had two Portuguese managers, José Mourinho and the Queirós & Peseiro duo (LOL).
Andre Gomes doesn't look like he has the same crazy head Quaresma has, if he plays smart he can be a success there.
Any predictions for young breakout players in our league this season? Last year we saw guys like Renato Sanches, Joao Mario and Diogo Jota break out and become stars. I'll throw out a few names I'm keeping an eye out for. Daniel Podence (Sporting) Gelson Martins (Sporting) Already kinda broke out last season, but I expect he will take his game to the next level. Andre Silva (Porto) Porto's top scorer in the Pre-season. Expect him to get his first call up to the National Team this season. Andre Horta (Benfica) Has looked great in the Pre-season and with Sanches gone, he should get lots of playing time. Gil Dias (Rio Ave) On loan from Monaco. Rafa Soares (Rio Ave) On loan from Porto. Rui Pedro (Porto B) The 18 year old has scored in practically every game for Porto's B team in the pre-season. I think he can have a huge year if he stays healthy.
Just watching some of the Lille friendly today, and I have to say M.Lopes has so much talent. He is only 20, but If he doesn't make a name for himself and move to a bigger club I will be very surprised. City sold him to Monaco, than he couldn't win a starting spot, than loaned to Lille. Obviously something I just don't see that prevents him from taking the next step, but whenever I see him he looks to be oozing with talent.
16 year old Doningos Quina who is an attacking midfielder for west ham and was part of the vitorious u17 squad formerly of Chelsea and Benfica had been starting pre season games for The hammers and came off the bench for them in Europa league qualifiers. Quite impressive and great to see a young player under the guidance of a good coach in Slaven Bilic
Bilic likes to give youth players time to grow, good to see and hope he keeps getting chances or gets a loan move perhaps
2 more goals for Andre Silva in Porto's 2-0 win over Guimaraes today. That's 7 goals in 7 games in the pre-season. https://streamable.com/jguq https://streamable.com/ylh1
6 goals, in pre season form. He's doing some damage. I notice he's more quicker on the ball, kid has talent.
Damn skill on display. Whoa! Hopefully he proves the doubters wrong. Always been a fan, he's still young.
(Atletico Madrid) GK - André Moreira loaned to Belenenses (Benfica) CM - João Teixeira loaned to Wolverhampton WG - Hélder Costa loaned to Wolverhampton (FC Porto) ACM/WG - Pité loaned to Tondela HIGHLIGHTS: - Domingos Quina had his first senior match experience in a competitive game at the age of 16 for West Ham. - Along with Quina, Rony Lopes, Bernardo Silva, Ivan Cavaleiro, Gil Dias and Diogo Figueiras started their first competitive match for their respective clubs this season. - Bruno Fernandes is strongly rumoured to be on his way from Udinese to Sampdoria. List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yGdZZBB9s7iWD7ci6XFfhDUZKRbmlMuTGqNGSPWvhNs/edit?usp=sharing