Pedro Goncalves voted Best Young Player of the Primeira Liga season

Sporting’s summer signing Pedro Goncalves has been elected the Young Player of the Season in the Portuguese league due to his displays for newly-promoted Famalicao.

Beating off both Sporting’s Wendel and Guimaraes’ English star Marcus Edwards, it is testament to the quality season that the 22-year old had with Famalicao, who secured an exceptional 6th place finish in the league.

There were plenty of incredibly talented that represented high-flying Famalicao last season, and many of them were incredibly youthful too. The like of Nehuen Perez, Racic, Alex Centelles and Diogo Goncalves all deserve huge praise for the campaigns they had, but Goncalves, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer on a free transfer, was the pick of the bunch.

In his home country, little was known about the central midfielder and the qualities he would offer - but he has proved to be an instant hit. His dribbling prowess, decision-making and passing and shooting ability made him a well-rounded midfielder, and he was instrumental in Famalicao’s fantastic campaign.

Overall, he played 33 of Famalicao’s 34 Primeira Liga matches, only missing out through suspension, and nearly led his side to Europa League football with his 5 goals and 6 assists.

Wolves fans may be wondering if they let this young gem go too soon - and you have to say it looks like they have done. A move to Sporting this summer has been completed, with the Libson club spending 7 million euros for his services and 50% of his economic rights.

He has recently been called up to the Portugal U21 squad as a result of his tremendous season.