How should Portugal line up against Türkiye?
After a confused and disjointed performance against a Czechia side that were, to their credit, defensively disciplined, Portugal and Roberto Martinez will be looking for an improved performance - and enhanced cohesion - when they take to the field against Turkiye on Saturday.
With victory the target of expecting fans, there is a hope that Portugal will put on a display worthy of one of the favourites to lift the trophy next month - and a more discernible structure and formation could be a good starting point to achieving such an outcome.
To give manager Roberto Martinez credit, he is certainly attempting to be an innovative coach. His choice in the previous outing to play Nuno Mendes at centreback, Joao Cancelo as an inverted wingback and a midfield double ‘pivot’ of the technically gifted - but physically limited - Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha was brave and bold, but by opting for such a left-field team selection, he set himself up for criticism. After a less than impressive team display despite clinching a 2-1 victory, he has done just that.
Against Turkiye, many are hoping for a less complex, and more traditional, tactical setup. With the wealth of talent available to Portugal, there is no necessity to overcomplicate things. Reverting to a more straightforward 4-2-3-1 formation is surely the right call for Martinez, who is really yet to determine his best starting XI.
You could argue his indecisiveness is merely because of the quality of players at his disposal. How do you choose who to bench when you have the likes of Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva and Goncalo Ramos all pushing for a starting place in the attacking third of the pitch? It’s an almost unenviable task; a fantastic problem to have, but a problem nonetheless.
But if Martinez is willing to bin his creative urges, how should he line up against Turkiye?
DEFENCE
There isn’t much need to modify the defence too drastically. No question that Diogo Costa should retain his place in goal, with Ruben Dias in the heart of defence, likely alongside the evergreen legend Pepe. Diogo Dalot did enough to stay in the XI on the right flank, which would see Joao Cancelo stay at left back, but in a slightly less adventurous role. That would mean Nuno Mendes drops to the bench after the curious decision to play him as a centreback in the last game.
MIDFIELD
Surely Joao Palhinha has to come into the starting XI for the next game, to provide physicality in midfield and defensive cover for the backline, particularly if Martinez does indeed opt for a back four. His presence in midfield would also give those ahead of him more freedom to roam and pull the strings. Those players are likely to remain Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, who were reasonably good in the Czechia game, although some would like to see Joao Neves given a chance to start.
ATTACK
Whether Cristiano Ronaldo should start or not is up for debate. There is a strong argument to be made that he would have a better impact off the bench. He wasn’t particularly effective in the last outing, and there are exceptional players beign left out of the side to accomodate him. Ronaldo will likely start, but it would be interesting to see Goncalo Ramos given a chance through the middle instead. Bernardo Silva, despite not really impressing for Portugal at major tournaments as yet, seems a guaranteed starter, and for his quality, it’s understandable. Pedro Neto did enough in his 4 minute cameo to start too. Again, arguments could be made that his impact is better off the bench later in games, but his directness from the off could be equally useful. Rafael Leao is perhaps more likely to retain his place in the team, though.
