If you were Paulo Bento who would you take to Brazil?? My Squad: Goalkeepers - Rui Patricio - Eduardo (A prize for what he did in 2010, he was the only one who had soul in that team) - Anthony Lopes (A younger guy to get some WC experience) Right Defenders - João Pereira - Cédric/André Almeida (im fine with either one, both are good) Central Defenders - Pepe - Bruno Alves - Neto - Ricardo Carvalho (I would take the man to bring experience to the squad, i wound`t use him at all, only if needed. But i know the chances are slim to none, since his fight with Bento). Left Defenders - Fábio Coentrão - Antunes Midfielders - William - Miguel Veloso - Raul Meireles - João Moutinho - Josué - Adrien (He is 100x better than Micael) Wingers - Ronaldo - Nani - Bruma - Varela Strikers - Postiga - Almeida Pretty much the same squad, except for Adrien and Ricardo Carvalho.
Ricardo Carvalho has no place on this team and I was a huge RC fan at one time. That ship has sailed.
I like the squad but Ricardo Carvalho has no business playing for Portugal after his temper tantrum. I would throw in Jose Fonte who has been a monster for Southampton. I would also like to include Nelson Oliveira because he still has great potential if he can get his attitude and maturity in order, he will be an asset.
Nelo should be there over Almeida... But Postiga will be Bento's choice. Bruma/Carvalho seem like the only young guns that can make this team.
Of the squad posted I see Bento taking Oliveira or Eder in place of one of Adrien or Josue and Rolando over RC. I'll make my list when the season is done.
Actually, that was my list if i was Bento. Bento's list will probably be this, if nothing spectacular or disastrous (knock on wood) happens - Rui Patricio, Beto, Anthony Lopes - André Almeida, João Pereira - Bruno Alves, Pepe, Neto, Ricardo Costa - Fábio Coentrão, Antunes - William, Veloso, Meireles, Moutinho, Josué - Ronaldo, Bruma, Nani, Varela - Almeida, Postiga The only doubt in my mind is the last player among Eder/Nelson Oliveira/Adrien/Micael.
This isn' directed at you Vic but it's interesting to see how fickle some fans are. Before our last game many we're asking for Bruno to be replaced, now he's a starter. What many fail to realize is that skill isn't the only attribute you need to consider when picking a team. Sure, Bruno has played better than he is plaing now but the man is a warrior. Call it what you will but here's a guy that would die on the beach for Portugal (period)
I know what you mean. I've been a long time fan of Bruno, even when he was horrible and headbutted Nuno Gomes. All strikers hate playing vs Bruno because he will hurt you. Sure, he has his slip ups from time to time but the guy is a very good CB. I'm not saying that Jose Fonte has to start but he should be on the bench.
Anyone that questions Bruno's heart and determination quite frankly dont know shit. Like I said before, I would go to war with the man. That being said, I dont think I would be disrespecting the man by saying that he has lost a step or two and can be a concern out there from time to time now. At this stage of the game, irregardless of how you feel about him, it is too late to make any changes at that position. While I fear the odd mistake he will make, I have full confidence that he will give us all he has. If all our players played with the same heart he has, we would have qualified first place and laughing.