Anatomy of the deep-lying playmaker

With great enthusiasm, Portuguese fans have celebrated the strong start to Premier League competition by Nuno Espirito Santos’ Wolverhampton Wanderers, a side brimming with Portuguese exports. From up-and-coming starlets like Diogo Jota to seasoned veterans like Moutinho and Rui Patricio, the unfolding saga of Wolves' emergence onto the big stage must surely be of interest to Fernando Santos and the progression of the Seleção as they look ahead to Euro 2020.

One man in particular has increasingly captivated spectators with exquisite but often understated mastery over his sector of the pitch. A maestro-in-the-making who some feel will become the fulcrum of the Portuguese national team for the next decade.

Following Wolves’ daring and ambitious performance at Old Trafford, Seleção expert Nathan Motz details the quintessential elements of holding midfield, a role he feels is personified by 21 year old Rúben Neves.

This weekend sees José Mourinho face off against one of his former pupils as his Manchester United side host Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford, and Mourinho took time to speak highly of the work of his fellow Portuguese at Molineux.

Mourinho also assessed the current project at Wolves, which has strong involvement from his agent Jorge Mendes. Meanwhile, Nuno responded by admitting it was an “honour” to be praised by his ex-coach at Porto, while insisting he expects his side to assert themselves at the Theatre of Dreams.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened his account for Juventus this weekend with a brace in Serie A against Sassualo. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva drew extended praise from Pep Guardiola for his showing in England and Pepe followed up his goal on international duty with yet another goal for Besiktas - his fifth for the Turkish outfit in 2018/19.

There was less to be pleased about for Everton boss Marco Silva, however, but on the goals front the Portuguese contingent abroad found the net in Russia, Romania, England, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Poland. The standout strike perhaps being Miguel Cardoso’s goal for Dinamo Moscow in Russia on his full debut against champions Lokomotiv Moscow.

Vitor Pereira’s Shanghai SIPG are the new leaders of the Chinese Super League as the campaign nears the home straight.

Meanwhile, former Everton and Portugal defender Abel Xavier has been discussing the impact of Marco Silva at his old club, while Ruben Neves talks Porto and Rui Fonte settles alongside his brother in France with Lille.