Last week, PortuGOAL.net brought you part one of an in-depth review of Portugal’s most likely candidates for next summer’s European Championship, beginning with goalkeepers and defenders.

Now Seleção correspondent Nathan Motz is back with part two in the series, an evaluation of Portugal’s growing crop of midfield playmakers. Follow along as Nathan inspects Portugal’s best options, and how they ultimately might fit into Fernando Santos’ tactical design for Euro 2016 in France.

With the arrival of the New Year comes the anticipation of great things ahead for the Portuguese National Team. Despite the U20 and U21 squads failing to obtain silverware in the summer of 2015, there is an ever-growing belief that this generation could end Portugal’s long wait for a major tournament trophy. But of course, Portugal’s “old guard” still has a point to prove as well. Cristiano Ronaldo, João Moutinho, Fábio Coentrão, and Pepe are the backbone of a squad that is only in the initial phases of rebuilding. But what combination of players, young and old, look most likely to shine next summer in France?

Seleção correspondent Nathan Motz has spent the last four months observing Portuguese talent in Spain, Germany, France, Turkey, and of course, Portugal. Join him as he assesses the individual performances of key players during the first half of the 2015-16 season in a three-part series beginning with a look at Portugal’s goalkeeping and defensive options.

The draw for Euro 2016 placed Portugal in Group F alongside Iceland, Hungary and Austria. 

Coach Fernando Santos reacted to the outcome by saying: "I don't believe in easy draws or difficult draws; I believe in hard work to get results." The cautious reaction is understandable given that both Iceland and Austria impressed in qualifying.

Nevertheless, although they will not admit it publicly, Santos and the Portuguese players must be pleased with the opponents they were handed in the group stage of the tournament in France next summer. 

Without putting in a particularly impressive display, Portugal had a decent workout as they continued their Euro 2016 preparations on a rainy and windswept night in Luxembourg.

Goals from André André and Nani gave an unfamiliar-looking Seleção side a 2-0 victory.

Nani, who was celebrating his 29th birthday, probably summed up the feelings of coach Fernando Santos at the end of the match, saying: “the coach is giving young players a chance, which is good for the future of the Seleção. It’s good that there is competition (for places).”