Since I am curious about this topic I thought I would post this seeming it would be a good time with the Spain match coming up and Postiga being injured. Can somebody please explain to me the difference in how we play when we have Postiga starting as opposed to Almeida? Please be as in depth as possible. Thanks in advance!
Sorry for the short answer. It we don't change the playing style. I guess with Almeida we cross a few more times due to his size.
No differences, really. To me, we need someone that can create and is good at ball control. Hugo is a big lug and I'm not a fan, as for Postiga, easily better at scoring for goal. Still, I believe NELO presents a huge problem because he is agile, good in the air, has sturdy ball control and is tough to get the ball of him. Also, he's a good passer. Always believe that leaving out Vaz Te was a huge mistake - Vaz Te is almost a complete striker. When you seem he play, he relies on his speed and drive. Also an incredible header.
Yet, he hasn't shown any of those things in bold while playing for the grown ups national team. He was poor in the first game (made that play and assist to Varela, plus two passes, one back to the midfield the other back to the defense), and even poorer in the second. I'm no fan of Hugo Almeida or Postiga, but they do know what to do and try to do it, albeit the almost humorously low sucess rate. Nelson Oliveira is a good player to come in towards the end of the matches we're winning because he can exploit the spaces behind their tired defenders just like he did in his only good play this tournament.
Postiga is way more mobile and versatile...However Almeida's best games for the NT in my opinion have been against Spain. He had a wonderful performance vs spain in the WC 2010 and he scored a goal vs spain in the friendly. Hopefully his good play against the spanish continue.
Almeida/Postiga = 1 goal to show forth this tourney. Yeah. they're real studs. They're overrated. Huh? The guy hasn't even played a full 60. How can you judge him? And you weren't impressed with him when he came in as a sub against Denmark. He made some good passes and looks much better on attack than those two hacks. He just needs to gain confidence and maturity. The guy has all the tools. Betinho & Vaz Te are on my radar. Both have major potential.