Portuguese Football in English
Gonçalo Guedes. Touted by many to be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s godly throne, the 20-year-old has received plaudit after plaudit since his arrival at the Mestalla, with many even regarding him as the standout performer in La Liga thus far in the 2017/18 campaign.
With three goals and five assists to his name in just seven La Liga appearances, it’s blindingly obvious as to why experts and colleagues alike are championing the forward as the ‘the next big thing’.
Portugal U21 international Hélder Costa has had quite a week. On Saturday, he played a crucial role as Wolverhampton Wanderers caused a shock by knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup, providing assists for both goals in a 2-1 victory.
Yesterday the 23-year-old winger turned his loan deal at Wolves into a permanent move, the English Championship club paying Benfica €15m for his services.
PortuGOAL profiles the Angolan-born speedster who fetched the same price as the likes of fellow Seixal academy graduates Bernardo Silva and André Gomes.
Often overshadowed by his strike partner and Portugal centre-forward André Silva, the progress made by Diogo Jota has slipped somewhat under the radar this season.
Blessed with a unique combination of passing instincts and goalscoring prowess, the 20-year-old has electrified the Dragões faithful with his impressive performances, which includes scoring a hat-trick in his first league start for Porto against Nacional in October.
Jota had already broken several scoring records since making his senior debut with Paços de Ferreira just over two years ago. And many believe this is just the beginning.
PortuGOAL takes a closer look at the supremely-talented Diogo Jota.
Like most Portuguese strikers, André Silva is agile, has good technique and is comfortable playing anywhere across the frontline.
Unlike most Portuguese strikers, the Porto centre-forward is blessed with the one skill that sets good hitmen apart from great ones – a poacher’s instinct.
A total of 11 goals in 16 matches in 2016/17 for club and country is ample evidence of his ability in front of goal, coming on the back of a history of prolific scoring through the various youth teams of Portugal and Porto.
Sporting lost their opening Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, but the team left a positive impression at the Santiago Bernabeu, none more so than 21-year-old winger Gelson Martins.
Gelson continued his flying start to the season with a dazzling display in the Spanish capital, leading to gushing praise from the local press.
“A constant nightmare for Real Madrid’s defenders”, “a memorable display”, “a recital” were some of the phrases used by Spain’s newspapers to describe his performance.
PortuGOAL looks at the reaction triggered by the Portugal U21 international’s dribbling skills.
