Freddy Adu: “The quality of my football has improved greatly at Benfica”

American international thriving in pre-Olympic tournament

Benfica’s young protégé Freddy Adu may not be having a stand-out rookie season with the club statistically, but the American sensation has seen a difference in his game since trading Major League Soccer for Portugal.

The 18-year-old is currently with the U.S. national team and has played a starring role in leading his adopted country to qualification for this summer’s Olympic games in Beijing.

The Benfica forward recognises the changes in his game since his transfer to Europe and credits his growth to the decision he made some seven months ago. “I am playing in Europe and this allows me to be much more comfortable. I feel that I have improved greatly in the quality of my football,” explained Adu.

“To have potential is one thing, but it is something completely different to have to prove it on the field. I feel that I am reaching that plateau.”

Goals flowing

U.S. national team coach, Peter Nowak, has shown a lot of confidence in the former DC United player, having started Adu in the early tournament matches against Cuba and Panama. Adu duly repaid the faith by scoring the winning goals in both contests for the Americans.

It got better for the diminutive forward in the quarter-final as the Benfica man scored two free-kicks in a 3-0 win over Canada to guarantee qualification for the Olympic Games in China.

The American coach is delighted with the contribution made by the Benfica player, but stated that he expects Adu to reach even higher levels, saying it will only be a matter of time before he does.

Freddy Adu PortuGOAL profile