No player caught my eye quite as well as Coentrao, this past world cup. Playing against a soccer giant like Brazil is always intimidating, but Coentrao was virtually impenetrable that game - easily giving Brazil a run for their money.
Coentrao has shown also what an incredible player he can be on the offense, repeatedly filtering past opposing midfielders to position the ball just right for goal opportunities.
But it was his defensive skill that made me go "wow" - he's a terrific defensive player, and any goalkeeper's best friend.
Coentrao's got the heart to make it big, and it seems he's got the maturity to handle it too. I'm very interested in seeing how his career develops from here on out.

I think Fabio from his statements has become a mature player at 22! We will be placing him with the likes of Pauletta and Figo soon, and if he does very well in Champions people will notice him more in playing against the big dogs and will most likely be dealt a hand that neither Benfica nor Fabio will pass up. He will than develop into a better player and be the man for the national team. I wouldnt have any doubts that he will wear an arm band. I think if he does he will not be selfish like Ronaldo thinking that he has to carry the team. I think he will bring the team together and give great speaches before, during, and after the games that will inspire the team to move forward.

Portugal has always had great talent, but the club coach that works with the players makes all the difference. Jesus has demanded a team first mentality. The first thing he did last season was dump selfish players like Reyes out of the team. This has been a great atmosphere for our young talent to develop in.

As a lifelong Sporting supporter I always want the best for my team, but as a fan of Portuguese soccer, I also want the league to be as competetive as possible. Even though I want Benfica to lose to Sporting I also want Benfica to be strong and competetive to further the Portuguese league in international competetions. Yes, our league doesn't have the revenue and prestige of the English, Spanish and Italian leagues, but we still have a strong and prestigious league in it's own right. Sporting, Benfica and Porto are big clubs who are respected in Europe and to see great players that want to stay at our respective clubs makes me happy and proud. I am tired of foreign players who use our league as a springboard to play in the big clubs of England, Spain and Italy. The fact that the Portuguese league can be a springboard is a testament to the visibility and quality that professional Portuguese soccer offers, but wouldn't it be better on a perfect world if players wanted to stay for the long haul? Fabio Coentrao's words are uplifting and positive. Benfica is not my team, but I wish them well and as a supporter of Portuguese soccer, I want him him to stay at Benfica as long as he can. Good for him! Let's get the seaso
underway and best of luck to all the teams in all the competions! Sporting sempre!

who dont really see players like this anymore. he has decided to stick with benfica and as a porto fan i find that very honourable

Coentrao is just a brilliant player. I remember first seeing him in Toronto during the U-21 world cup in 2007. He has developed so well. Hopefully, the rest of Portugal's youth follows suit.