How Silva can reincarnate the mythical No.10 role for Portugal

Bernardo Silva.

Following another exquisite display of football genius last week, tribute for the Seleção’s most exciting player in years has rained down from all corners of the Portuguese supporter community. A well-taken goal and three assists hardly told the full story of Portugal’s diminutive midfield soloist, who headlined in an unfettered, central-midfield-wanderer role against Lithuania and Luxembourg which proved devastatingly effective.

In keeping with this site’s 15-year tradition of producing the world’s finest English-language content on Portuguese football, PortuGOAL.net has elected to highlight one of the relevant queries of this era of the Seleção - how best to inspire this squad through the greatness of Bernardo Silva? 

Join Nathan Motz as he embarks upon a tour through football history trying to find the elusive answer.

Portugal's U21 European Championship qualification campaign is back on track after a 3-2 victory against Norway at the Marienlyst Stadion in Drammen.

Fabio Vieira and Jota put Portugal 2-0 before Diogo Queirós was sent off, Florentino Luís extending the lead in the second half as Portugal survived a late Norweigan fight back.

Luxembourg 0-2 Portugal 

Portugal were made to work for their ticket to Euro 2020 against a hard-working Luxembourg side that certainly had their moments. Bruno Fernandes' sumptuous goal at the end of the first half was quite possibly the lone bright spot of a very difficult opening 45 minutes while Cristiano Ronaldo added to his international goal tally just minutes before full time.

It was at times incoherent and undisciplined from Portugal with misplaced passes and poor decisions only complicated by the abysmal pitch. Many may remember it as the worst played match of the campaign, but Portugal survived what was always going to be a challenging final game and will now have the opportunity to defend their European title.

Portugal are overwhelming favourites to beat Luxembourg at the Stade Josy Barthel and secure their ticket to Euro 2020. Having annihilated Lithuania 6-0 at the Estádio do Algarve and with Cristiano Ronaldo on the verge of 100 senior international goals, the stage is set for another intriguing encounter.