26 October 2006, by Marco Pereira

Naval’s Nei admits “goalscoring is addictive!”

High-flying Brazilian helps Naval to spectacular start

Naval are enjoying a tremendous start to the season, and currently sit alongside Braga, tied for third spot in the table on 14 points.

Nobody would have dared predict Naval make such a strong start after avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day of last season. What is also fascinating about Naval’s brilliant start is that they currently possess the Liga’s joint leading goalscorer, Nei.

The 26-year-old Brazilian is enjoying a fine start to the season and has found the back of the net 5 times in 7 games, equalling Pacos de Ferreira’s Ronny.

Nei confesses that he is not sure if he will finish the season as the Liga’s top goalscorer, but is enjoying the way thing are going at the moment. “Can I be the best at the end of the season? Who knows? If I continue to work hard, anything is possible,” Nei admitted. “Scoring goals is very addictive, I want more!”

“But I have to be realistic and I have my limits. Firstly, I would like to get 10 goals. With the five goals I have in seven matches, I believe I can manage that. Everything that comes afterwards will be a bonus. If I am the highest goalscorer on the team, I would be extremely happy.”

Nei does not consider himself a natural goalscorer as he was transformed from a right winger to a striker at the first Portuguese team he represented, Ovarense.

The striker fondly recalls the start of his career and has not forgotten who gave him his first opportunity. “It was Jose Gomes who put me on the pitch as a striker at Ovarense. Afterwards Jorge Jesus did the same when I was at Moreirense. When the chances come along I will try to continue to do what I know how to do. I am taking advantage now.”

If Nei continues his tremendous form, it will surely be only a matter of time before one of the bigger clubs in Portugal come sniffing around, but this does not enter the striker’s thoughts for the time being. “My head is totally focused on Naval,” the player confessed.

Nei and company will look to continue their great run when they travel to Madeira to face high-flying Nacional in an intriguing clash on Sunday. Naval have lost just once all season, to champions Porto, while Nacional have put together an impressive four-match winning run in the Bwin Liga.