Lista de convocados: Guarda-redes: André Moreira (U. Madeira), Bruno Varela (Benfica) e Joel Pereira (Manchester United); Defesas: Edgar Ié (Villarreal), Fábio Cardoso (P. Ferreira), Rafa (FC Porto), Mauro Riquicho (Sporting), Núrio (Sp. Braga), Rúben Vezo (Valencia) e Tobias Figueiredo (Sporting); Médios: Bruno Fernandes (Udinese), Francisco Ramos (FC Porto), João Teixeira (Benfica), Rony Lopes (Monaco), Raphael Guzzo (Tondela) e Rúben Neves (FC Porto); Avançados: André Silva (FC Porto), Bruma (Real Sociedad), Carlos Mané (Sporting), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Gonçalo Paciência (Académica) e Ricardo Horta (Málaga). Another really strong team, though I think Joao Cancelo should be there
This team, this past U21's and the u17's from last year who are 18, plus Bruma I don't think we will ever have as deep a roster. If Cristiano can play well at 36 years old we may be a legit threat like the 2000, 2004 - 2006 team
6-1 Victory over Albania Starting lineup was: -----------------Varela------------------ ------Tobias---------Ie-------------------- Riquicho-----------------------------Rafa- -----Bruno Fernandes---Neves----------- Mane-----------Lopes-------------------Bruma --------------A. Silva--------------------------------- Marcos Lopes, Andre Silva, Bruma, and Neves were fantastic. Bruma tormented that defense. Good to see. Another strong squad, and will continue to get even stronger.
Granted its Albania... look at that MF: speed/mobility/skill.... wow! The u21 program has quickly developed nicely and we got 4 or 5 gems in the making. Wake up Santos! Start breeding them so they get comfortable.
Portugal plays their 2nd U21 qualifier today against Hungary and the starting line-up is released.... Bruno Varela Joao Cancelo, Tobias Figueiredo, Edgar Ie, Rafa Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Rony Lopes, Iuri Medeiros, Goncalo Pacienca, Bruma. Bench... André Moreira (GK) Rúben Vezo Ricardo Horta Podstawski Raphael Guzzo Gelson Martins Goncalo Guedes Just look at the bench, ridiculous.
1-0 Bruno Fernandes great goal Cancelo, Bruma, Bruno Fernandes, Iuri Medeiros, Neves, Tobias have been good. The rest so so
How was Bruno Fernandes? We need a midfielder that can take the reins and control the game as moutinho starts to get up there in age. The few times I have seen him play for Udinese, he's been pretty good. One of the few bright spots for a flailing Udinese.
I'm excited for him as well. We have a lot of upcoming flashy MCs but we will need a powerful and dynamic box to box midfielder like Dismas stated.
Portugal's U21's keep rolling after crushing Greece today 4-0, away in Greece. Goals from Goncalo Guedes, Gelson Martins, Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Paciencia. Guedes was the star, with 1 goal and 2 assists. Also Cancelo is a monster. Neves and Bruno Fernandes dominant in the middle.
Rui Jorge has been spectacular again as a coach, getting these talented players to perform with poise, patience, and maturity. Smart of him to refresh the attack with guedes/gelson martins/horta starting to press the Greeks while the defence and midfield stayed the same. Ruben Neves and Bruno Fernandes were great in midfield, Cancelo has really matured and grown starting games with Valencia, and Gelson Martins has absolutely great dribbling. Guedes with a good performance too.
These kids continue to make me smile. I hope it never stops. I'm thinking more in terms of Moutinho style. A true box to box. André Gomes can do that role well but he is a more offensive minded player. Who cares though? We have reasons to be confident for the WC.
He actually has an incredible work rate, his lumbering style makes you think the opposite but his heat maps are more of a box to box player than a pure attack minded midfielder. I like Bruno Fernandes and I think he is one of the most talented players we have coming through I do doubt his work ethic. Di Natale just yesterday spoke of his frustration at Fernandes, at how much ability he has and what incredible feet he has. I hope he reaches his potential but the links to Milan are a bit worrying, I'm not sure he is ready for such a step up in pressure