Portugal U21 squad for matches with Cyprus and Belarus announced
Portugal U21 manager Rui Jorge has announced his latest squad to take on Cyprus and Belarus for qualification to the 2022 U21 European Championship.
There is plenty of talent in the side, with Sporting’s first-choice keeper Luis Maximiano included. There is then also a space for Porto’s number two Diogo Costa, while former Arsenal shot-stopper Joao Virginia makes up the trio of goalkeepers.
In defence, Sporting’s star youngster Eduardo Quaresma, who has been playing regularly for Sporting CP’s senior side in central defence since Ruben Amorim took over as manager, is on course to make his debut at this level. Also in the squad are the experienced centreback pair of Diogo Leite and Diogo Queiros, while Tiago Djalo of Lille, who got given some senior game time this season, is also involved.
At right back, Benfica’s in-demand Tomas Tavares, who has plenty of Champions League experience to his name, is called up, while Pedro Pereira, who had a solid loan spell at Bristol City from Benfica last campaign, is the other option for Rui Jorge to call upon.
Meanwhile, on the left side of defence, another Sporting youngster who has broken into the first team in Nuno Mendes is called up, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Vinagre once again involved in proceedings.
In midfield, Jorge has plenty of options, Sporting’s youngster Daniel Braganca included, who had a great spell on loan at Estoril for the 2019-20 campaign. Benfica’s Florentino Luis is another more defensive option available to Jorge. As more attacking options, Gedson Fernandes, on loan at Tottenham from Benfica, is included, having already gained experienced with the senior national team, while Sporting’s new signing Pedro Goncalves, who was a revelation at Famalicao last season, makes the squad too, alongside new club teammate Miguel Luis. Vitor Ferreira of Porto is also involved.
As the more attacking options, there are plenty of quality options competing for a spot in the XI. Young Benfica star Jota is included alongside Wolves’ Pedro Neto, who picked up a wealth of experience at club level last campaign. Rafael Leao, another experienced attacking player with proven quality, is also called up. Umaro Embalo, who has just led Benfica to the final of the UEFA Youth League, is called upon by Rui Jorge too, as is Dany Mota who has recently completed a move to Monza from Juventus.
