Player Profile: Nélson Oliveira

Full name: Nélson Miguel Castro Oliveira

Position: Forward

Date of Birth: 25 August 1991

Birthplace: Barcelos, Portugal

The front page of Tuesday, May 29th's edition of Record bore the headline 'Os gémeos de Santa Maria', referring to the youth side based in Barcelos, that has produced not one but two members of the 2012/13 Benfica squad. One is Hugo Vieira, who has joined the Eagles after impressing at Gil Vicente. The other is Nélson Oliveira, who this season has become the latest Portuguese prospect to have the hopes and expectations of many placed on his shoulders. 

As is generally the case with the youngsters that join Santa Maria, Nélson did not stick around for long. At the age of twelve he joined regional powerhouse Sporting Braga, where he developed for three seasons before being snapped up by national powerhouse, and Portugal's best-supported club, Benfica. 

After two seasons under the tutelage of João Couto and then João Alves, Nélson made his first appearance in a senior squad during the 2008/09 campaign, against Napoli in the UEFA Cup. Being just 17 at the time, this marked him firmly as one to watch, but his progression remained steady: a year spent at Rio Ave was followed by another at Paços de Ferreira, where Nélson was among a clutch of promising youngsters, including David Simão, Caetano and Pizzi. 

It seems strange to think such a thing now, but of that quartet Nélson was not the standout performer at the Mata Real: that accolade undoubtedly went to Pizzi. But whilst the Braga-owned forward was sent to warm the bench at Atlético Madrid, Nélson caught the eye once more when instead of being loaned out for a third successive season he was included in Jorge Jesus' 2011/12 Benfica squad. Playing a central role in Portugal U20's run to the World Cup final (Nélson scored four times) surely aided his cause. 

Although his minutes were limited (just 914 in all competitions), the following nine months provided enough glimpses to excite many, both at Benfica and in Portugal as a whole. An instinctive runner, Nélson's ability to stretch defences was illuminated against Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League (where he notched his first senior goal for the Eagles), and also against Marítimo. Not an orthodox centre forward, his main strength looks to be providing a mobile, intelligent link between midfield and attack. A cool head under pressure has got him this far, and don't be surprised if he acts as Paulo Bento's primary impact substitute.  

by Ben Shave (29/05/2012)

* League only
** Up to May 2012