Portugal’s next generation gunning to make their mark

Portugal began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland, and will look to get back on track with two eminently winnable matches against Andorra at home (Friday) and the Faroe Islands away (Monday).

Coach Fernando Santos has continued the process that began in earnest during the European Championship in France of integrating a fabulous generation of talented youngsters into the senior Seleção team.

Raphael Guerreiro, William Carvalho, Renato Sanches and André Gomes are now “part of the furniture” of Portugal’s national team, and the double-header is likely to see more up-and-coming Portuguese stars given a chance to shine in the international arena.

Sporting winger Gelson Martins has had a stunning start to the season, which has been duly rewarded with a debut call-up to the senior squad, and the way he tackled his first press conference as a full Portugal international shows he is brimming with confidence.

“I admit that I was expecting the call-up because I’ve worked hard for it,” said the 21-year-old. “This has been my dream since I was 18 and playing for Portugal in the youth categories. It’s a proud moment for me and my family.”

Whether or not Gelson gets significant playing time could depend on the fitness of Nani, who is yet to take part in Portugal’s training sessions this week as he recovers from a knock.

Another youngster who has made an excellent start to the season is FC Porto striker André Silva. The 20-year-old is an ever-present for the Dragons and has 6 goals and 2 assists to his name in 11 matches in 2016/17.

Pride

The unanimous opinion among football observers in Portugal is that provided he remains injury-free Silva will be Portugal’s first-choice No9 for the next decade. Santos gave Silva a starting slot against Switzerland, although captain Cristiano Ronaldo – who Santos has played as a striker – was unavailable for the match. Does Silva expect to start against Andorra?

“I don’t think the XI is decided, and my place certainly isn’t. I’m here to help. This Seleção has extremely high-quality players. It’s my second call-up, I’m very happy, but there are no certainties in football. I have to keep working hard to get into the next squads,” said Silva.

Asked what it would be like playing next to Cristiano Ronaldo, the young centre-forward’s answer was emphatic. “It makes me proud. He’s the best player in the world. Just being next to him, in the same team as him, makes me happy and I hope to score many goals alongside him.”

Even if they do not start, given the weak calibre of the opposition Santos must be tempted to give both Gelson and Silva minutes in the two matches, especially if the match is done and dusted with plenty of time to spare.

Another youngster who will almost certainly get significant playing time is 22-year-old Valencia right-back João Cancelo, given that the regular occupant of that position, Cédric Soares, had to pull out of the squad because of injury. Sporting captain Adrien also misses out after undergoing an operation earlier this week that will keep him off the pitches for over a month.

Santos has called up Benfica duo Nélson Semedo and Pizzi as replacements for Cédric and Adrien.

Predicted Portugal XI vs. Andorra:

Rui Patrício, João Cancelo, Pepe, José Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro, William Carvalho, João Mário, João Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Nani, Ronaldo

By Tom Kundert

Related: Gelson Martins debuts in Portugal squad