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Goal machine Joao Paulo admits Portugal dream

Humble striker focussing on Leiria but aiming high

Joao Paulo is enjoying his finest season to date. One that many of the other strikers in the Bwin Liga would be envious of. The 27-year-old has found the back of the net 11 times this season in all competitions for Uniao de Leiria.

His strike rate is all the more impressive given the club is languishing in last place in the standings with only eight points and a single victory to their name.

The classy Portuguese hit man prefers to see the situation in another light, thanking his team-mates for what he has achieved thus far and acknowledging that what he has done to date would not be possible without them by stressing the collective aspect.

“We are all important and if each of us gives our best towards the objective of the team, then certainly it acts as an incentive to your team-mate beside you. I would like to infect my colleagues with this notion, to fortify the collective,” said the humble striker.

“It’s true that I am enjoying my best season ever, but I am scoring because my team has plenty of quality, and provides a good flow of attacking movement. We have put in some good performances which, unluckily, have not given us the results or the position in the table we deserve.”

Much travelled

The former Boavista youth product has represented a number of clubs in his career so far – Desportivo das Aves, Feirense, Varzim Vitoria Setubal, Estoril, Beira-Mar & Tenerife. The player looks at his travels as one long learning curve which has helped him develop as a player.

“The experience at Tenerife was not the best on a sporting level, but it did serve as a means to grow and learn many things in personal terms. I feel I have evolved and I know I can even reach an even higher level.”

The striker does not rule out an international call-up. “I represented the national team at U15 level all the way to the reserve squad. If I continue to succeed at my function and score goals it is legitimate to dream about the national team.”

Joao Paulo also does not hide from the fact that he would not hesitate to join a bigger club should the opportunity arise. “I have to live my life in reality which at this given moment is with Uniao de Leiria. But if I leave, it will be a natural situation.”

“A move abroad? Why not? I am 27 years old, enjoying a fantastic season, and like everyone else. I work hard to achieve what is best for me. But I also want what is best for the club.”

Should Paulo continue to hit the net on such a regular basis is will be difficult for Luiz Felipe Scolari or bigger clubs to overlook the player.