I know this is going to be very unpopular opinion. So feel free to rip on me... but, in my opinion.. i really feel Ruben Neves has not proven a single thing, and to this point is a bit over rated. He has success in 2nd division England. He has looked very average in the EPL, and when playing for Portugal.. he hasnt lived up to the hype in any way, shape or form. I realize he is young. However, this is a golden age of Portuguese talent, and we can not sacrifice it to 'groom' a potential future super star in Ruben Neves. I just feel he isnt always confident in his decision when passing the ball, and as a holding midfielder, it all begins with him. Not only that, but defensively i find him unconvincing.
Gotta disagree, I remember good performances from him in the Nations League, and an assist to Rafa from deep in midfield. I think maybe he has outgrown his current team in EPL and needs a better challenge. He might develop faster if given a chance with a top coach and team (i.e. Guardiola and Man City). Also the guy is not exactly that defensive anchor that we all are used to seeing, but rather a deep lying playmaker, hence the comparisons to Xabi Alonso.
Honestly, the second i finished writing it, i knew the first person to respond would bring up that assist to Rafa from midfield. Infact, it went over my head as well initially. I mean, your right, it was a beautiful assist, but it isnt like he is doing things like this on a game to game basis. It was a one off. From my view point, i have seen Neves give up the ball in dangerous areas WAY TO MANY TIMES, leading to very good opportunities for the opposition. Although he may not be a true 'holding midfielder' that is still the space he is occupying, so whether he likes it or not, he needs to be held accountable and responsible for his carelessness with the ball at times. You may be right though, about outgrowing his current team, surrounding himself with not only a better coach, but better supporting cast who will also make him better too. You stated Pep, and thats where he is rumoured to be heading.. so we shall see.
Juventus and S'Hampton have not used Cedric and Cancelo at LB because F.Santos called them up and asked them to experiment for the good of the Portuguese NT. The lack of depth at the NT in this position is irrelevant to their usage at LB for Juventus and S'Hampton. This leads me to the question, why are they being used there at their clubs? i find it interesting.
This year, Portugal has won the UEFA Nations League and the Euro Beach Soccer League. And Sporting has won the UEFA Futsal Champions League.
Yeah, he was just called up to the NT by Santos for the Serbia/Lithuania matches. Daniel Podence was one of my favorite young Portuguese players when I watched him at one of the youth Euros a few years ago. He's still just 23 years old and obviously due for a move to a bigger league.
That’s right. Like I have said b4 I do not watch the league any more unless Marítimo is on can’t stand the big 3 and their bull shit with the league and refs in their back pockets
He was called up for the Serbia and Lithuania games, but then they sent him back to make room for other squad members.
Joelson Fernandes is a Sporting youth player who plays left wing. Mark my words, he will be a mega star. I believe he will be better than Felix.