The production line of talented midfielders will be on full display and could be pivotal to Portugal’s chances when it begins its Euro 2016 campaign in Saint-Etienne against a fearless Iceland outfit.
So often has the discussion been about Cristiano Ronaldo and the lack of a supporting cast, whenever Portugal have competed at a major football tournament. Arguably since Euro 2008, has the pressure and expectation weighed heavily on the muscular shoulders of the Real Madrid legend.
Some argue Ronaldo was born in the wrong era. He was just a naïve 19-year-old at the 2004 edition on home soil in a side littered with stars well in their prime, which included the ilk of no less than Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto. Although, despite netting twice at the tournament the team never centred on the then fresh-faced Manchester United prodigy.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Match Preview – Portugal vs Iceland
But as the plethora of quality players, produced from the phenomenal Golden Generation between 1989 and 1991 began to call it curtains on their glittering careers, Ronaldo was somewhat left behind. Disappointments followed the 2006 World Cup with substandard showings at Euro 2008, and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. A semi-final berth in Poland and Ukraine at the 2012 instalment of the European Championships has been the only exception for a side still yearning for national success.
However, a new breed of midfield prospects learning their trade, particularly in the Liga Nos have the potential to guide Portugal to a respectable finish in France. Moving forward too, it would instil confidence within the squad and place them in good stead for the future – especially with the 2018 Russia World Cup lingering on the horizon.
For this championship though, rather than being a concern, the young midfielders could alleviate the burden on Ronaldo, who is still yet to stamp his own mark on a major tournament, akin to what he consistently accomplishes at club level.
Incumbent Portugal boss, Fernando Santos has selected a combination of experience and rawness in his 23-man squad, which is often perceived as the best recipe for success. Santos has entrusted his faith in a rather youthful midfield and it could just pay dividends at this tournament and certainly in the long haul.
Of the seven midfielders chosen, three have derived from Sporting Lisbon, which is synonymous for having one of the world’s supreme football academies, and include Joao Mario, William Carvalho and Adrien Silva. Danilo Pereira of FC Porto, Bayern Munich-bound Renato Sanches, Andre Gomes from Valencia, as well as Monaco’s Joao Moutinho headline an energetic and exuberant midfield. Barring the ageless Moutinho, who is still only 29 after making his debut way back in 2005, the rest of the midfield is inexperienced.
Indeed, just a total of 65 caps are shared amongst six players (excluding Moutinho). To put that into some context: Spain, Germany and Belgium all have at least three midfielders who have surpassed that tally of appearances for their country.
Santos is predicted to alternate between a 4-3-3 formation and variations of a 4-4-2 system. Anchoring the midfield and acting as a screen in front of the back four will be either the combative 24-year-old William Carvalho or Danilo. Both are apt in their distribution, particularly the former, while Danilo is renowned for being a more box-to-box footballer and has the stamina to motor across the ground.
Joao Mario, 23, is considered a utility and should start under Santos, capable of playing as a centre or right midfielder and has even featured as a winger. On the left side of presumably Carvalho, Andre Gomes will likely start. The 22-year-old, who is a product of Benfica, can occupy an attacking midfield role or even on the flank in a 4-3-3. He possesses a decent shot and is not afraid to try a speculative effort from distance and can link up with the forwards.
Joao Moutinho provides the creativity and ingenuity in an advanced midfield position. The former Porto and Sporting wizard is a magnificent passer of the ball, laying on plenty of assists for his teammates. His only criticism is a scarcity of goals for such an attack minded player – just four goals in 84 caps.
Meanwhile, the prodigious Renato Sanches endured a breakout season with Benfica, culminating in a €35 million move to German powerhouse Bayern a few weeks ago. At 18 with five senior appearances, the Portuguese boss will likely utilise his explosiveness off the bench. Adrien Silva will also probably begin proceedings in the dugout. The 27-year-old is the captain of his club side Sporting and has the technical ability to dribble with consummate ease and score goals.
This array of midfield talent is more than qualified to complement the likes of Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma up front. Regardless of the shortage of international pedigree amongst the young contingent, they will be pivotal at Euro 2016 in providing the service to their talisman. Many have given little thought to the outfit hailing from the Iberian Peninsula of doing any damage at this tournament, due to the misconception of being a ‘one-man band’.
The outlook is bright for Portugal. Onwards and upwards.
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