Should this be Portugal's Starting XI at the Euros?
There are few nations at Euro 2024 that possess the sheer talent that Portugal currently boast; in every position on the field, there are players plying their trade at some of the biggest and most reputable clubs in the world. Manager Roberto Martinez is the man tasked with finding the correct combination to make Portugal serious challengers in this competition, and here we take a look at who could be the regular starters for the Seleção this month.
It is worth bearing in mind that Martinez is a difficult man to predict; having played with so many different formations during his tenure so far, we cannot even be sure whether he’ll be operating with a back three, or utilising a more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation - or even implementing something in between.
This predicted squad is the one we believe he’ll turn to most, with these eleven players likely forming his most commonly selected players at Euro 2024:
GOALKEEPER: DIOGO COSTA
There is little disputing the man between the sticks. Since taking the reigns from the iconic Rui Patricio, the Porto shot-stopper has barely put a foot wrong for his country – bar the unfortunate mishap in the World Cup quarter final defeat to Morocco – and the expectation is that he will maintain his place as the starting keeper ahead of the aforementioned Patricio and Wolves number one Jose Sa.
RIGHT BACK: JOAO CANCELO
There is little doubt that Cancelo will be a regular for Portugal this tournament; the only question is whether it will be on the left or right side of defence. As an incredibly gifted offensive full-back, Cancelo offers exceptional unpredictability from defence, accomplished both on the overlap and when cutting inside to play more centrally. There are few better full-backs in the world at this moment in time, and he could be instrumental for Portugal at Euro 2024.
CENTREBACK: RUBEN DIAS
Another player who seems nailed on to be in the Portugal XI is Manchester City’s Ruben Dias. A leader for arguably the best club side in the world, the 27-year old is likely to be in the lineup whenever Portugal take to the field – the bigger question is who is likely to partner him at the heart of defence.
CENTREBACK: PEPE
Unusually, Portugal are quite blessed with some decent defensive options at centreback. Young Antonio Silva continues to impress for Benfica; Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio is a genuinely reliable choice to play alongside Dias; Danilo Pereira has proven a consistent performer at PSG. But it is perhaps the veteran, Pepe, who is set to become the oldest player to ever play at a European Championship, that is best placed to make the starting eleven if everyone is fit and available. At 41, injury concerns are justifiable, but Pepe continues to prove one of the very best defenders in the world despite his advancing years. He won’t play every game – but for the big ones, there’s maybe no better option for Martinez to call upon.
LEFT BACK: NUNO MENDES
The PSG full-back may have had his issues when trying to defend against Jadon Sancho in the Champions League semi-final, but he remains an incredibly talented player. For balance, it may be smarter to have someone slightly more assured defensively, such as Diogo Dalot, on one side to allow more freedom for Joao Cancelo on the other, but Mendes, as the only out-and-out left back in the squad, is surely the best option Portugal have.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: JOAO PALHINHA
The Fulham anchor man has once again been imperious this season, and it was no surprise that Bayern Munich came calling in January in an attempt to prise him away. Having impressed so consistently at Sporting CP, it was a surprise that Fulham were the team who snapped up his signature, and a move to one of the heavyweights of Europe is surely just around the corner. He feels much better placed to start for Portugal than positional rivals Ruben Neves and Danilo Pereira.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: VITINHA
Surely Vitinha has to start for Portugal this tournament. Despite all the talent in Portugal’s ranks, it is the diminutive midfield maestro at PSG that was most impressive at club level this season. Joao Neves has been tremendous at Benfica, and Bernardo Silva is a wonderful talent when played in the middle of the park, but it is surely impossible to overlook the Parisian for regular game time this tournament.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: BRUNO FERNANDES
This is another that seems like a virtual guarantee. Fernandes has become pretty pivotal to Portugal and has begun to show his class in the national team colours. Having been so integral to Manchester United, his technical ability could be of great importance if Portugal are to go far this Euros.
RIGHT WING: BERNARDO SILVA
It is very difficult to leave Bernardo Silva out of the XI – whether he is chosen to play centrally or on the right flank is the biggest question mark. Many will be hoping it’s through the middle to make space for the likes of Chico Conceicao or Joao Felix to get more game time, but the safe play is to put Silva on the wing.
LEFT WING: RAFAEL LEAO
Again, there’s plenty of competition for places on the wings, but Leao is surely the man who is best placed to start on the other side. The AC Milan man and his infectious smile when the ball is at his feet could be the talisman for the national team this summer, and the thought of taking him on in one-on-one duals will be giving many right backs some sleepless nights.
STRIKER: CRISTIANO RONALDO
It seems strange to say that Ronaldo is a bit of a wildcard for Portugal, such is the way he has often dragged the nation out of some difficult situations, but having spent another season in Saudi Arabia, it remains difficult to predict just how ready he is to be playing some of the greatest defences in world football. Undoubtedly, though, his record this campaign was sensational; 35 goals in 31 league games indicate the man is still a machine at the age of 39, and it would take a brave man to drop him from the starting lineup in a major international competition (again).
