The three players that could be Portugal's wildcards for Euro 2024

Portugal are heading into the European Championships as one of the favourites to win the tournament – various bookmakers have the Seleção at 8/1 to lift the trophy next month, and there is growing optimism across the nation that a repeat of Portugal’s 2016 triumph could be witnessed this summer following a perfect qualification campaign that saw Portugal win all 10 of their fixtures while conceding just twice.

Though handed a reasonably straightforward group – which even saw Portugal record their biggest ever win in senior international football history after a 9-0 demolition of Luxembourg in the Algarve – Portugal were blistering in the qualifiers, and were the only side to win all of their games, a feat not even achieved by the likes of France, England and Spain, who are also amongst the main contenders for the biggest prize on the continental stage.

 Just days away from the event’s inauguration in Germany, fans from all corners of Europe are gearing up for a summer of football festivities, and few would bet against Portugal making a deep run in the competition following on from the disappointing round of 16 elimination at the hands of Belgium in the delayed 2020 Euros three years ago.

But if Portugal are to stand a chance of going all the way, a well-drilled, efficient team from front to back will be essential. And, though there are several world-renowned superstars at the disposal of Roberto Martinez, an opportunity also presents itself for a few emerging talents to make a name for themselves and upstage the likes of Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo to earn the adulation of an entire nation – and the attention of the eager-eyed scouts watching on from across the globe.

Here we pick out three players that could be – perhaps unexpected – difference makers at this summer’s tournament.

Francisco Conceição

It has not all been plain sailing for the energetic 21-year old winger, whose budding career has taken some unexpected turns. A surprising, and perhaps misguided, move to Ajax in 2022 for the small price of 5 million euros was a hammerblow to many FC Porto fans, who were frustrated to see one of their young talents up sticks and leave the club so early on in their career. That Francisco’s father, Sergio, was the manager of Porto at the time made the switch to the Netherlands even more shocking. The transfer proved a real disappointment however, and, to the delight of many of a Porto persuasion, the door opened for the diminutive wide-man to make his return to Porto just a year later, initially on a season long loan which became permanent this summer.

Perhaps it was the familiarity of being back at home, but Conceição, who scored just the solitary goal in the red and white of Ajax and was rarely picked as a starter, had a stunning and pretty rapid impact at Porto, so much so that Ajax even wanted to bring him back to the club in the January transfer window, something Porto were never going to agree to. Working his way into the first team, Conceição scored 8 goals across all competitions, and his nimble footwork and explosive style makes him an instant fan favourite – and could be an incredibly effective wildcard for Martinez to call upon.

Making just his second senior appearance for Portugal in the friendly appearance against Finland just days ago, Conceição was a constant menace, and perhaps Portugal’s best player on the night. Though he didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, his quick feet and consistent energy ensured Finland’s defence simply couldn’t deal with him as he fought for every ball and at times toyed with the opposition in devastating fashion. He won the penalty that Diogo Jota duly dispatched, he set up Bruno Fernandes to extend Portugal’s lead further, and then made it a hattrick of goal involvements on the night when he dispossessed Finland in their own half before once again laying the ball off to Bruno to secure Portugal’s 4-2 victory. It was a night to remember for the young Porto starlet, and he has made a huge case to even be an unlikely starter for Portugal come the start of the tournament.

Arguably the best wildcard you can have, the tricky and at times flamboyant attacker could be a real difference maker for Portugal when they are in desperate search of inspiration late on in games. He is, despite his best efforts to give Martinez a selection headache, unlikely to be named in the XI for the national team, but he could absolutely be a major factor in Portugal’s success.

Pedro Neto

In a very similar mould to Conceição, Pedro Neto is an equally exciting option that can be called upon for Portugal when extra creativity is demanded off the bench. Having been out injured for so much of this season, his mere inclusion in the squad was no guarantee, and the Seleção – and the tournament at large – are made stronger by his presence.

Reoccurring hamstring injuries ensured Neto’s 2023-24 campaign was blighted by setbacks, but despite spending roughly half the season sidelined, his impact for Wolverhampton Wanderers when he was available was indisputable. 11 goal involvements across 20 outings – two goals and nine assists – are an indication of the scintillating ability Neto possesses with a football at his feet, and had fitness not been an issue, this really could have been a historic campaign for the 24-year old former Braga and Lazio talent.

Nine assists only paints half the picture too. It was the quality of some of those goal involvements that really sent pulses racing. Dazzling solo runs aplenty, Neto is the definition of a game-changer, a player who can spark some magic at the most unexpected moments. It is no wonder that Wolves’ dip in form at the tail-end of the season coincided with his second spell on the sidelines.

Indeed, coming into this tournament having not completed a full competitive match of football since February, he is not expected to be a starter for his country this summer, the depth of competition also ensuring that his presence is a luxury more than a necessity, but that certainly doesn’t mean that he isn’t going to be a potential difference maker.

Off the bench, Pedro Neto will be a viable – and valuable – weapon. Portugal are blessed with a stunning array of attacking talent, but Neto on top form is as good as any of them, and he, much like the aforementioned Conceição, is perhaps even more dangerous when introduced off the bench late on in games.

João Neves

Most successful sides need an engine in midfield, and when that’s paired with both creative excellence and youthful exuberance, it creates an ideal combination of attributes and a recipe for potential victory.

For Portugal in 2016, that was none other than Renato Sanches, who, off the back of a breathtaking season with Benfica, lit up the tournament in France with his energetic efforts that played a huge part in Portugal’s unexpected triumph.

Neves, in truth, is already becoming something of a household name in Europe. The Benfica starlet, just 19 years of age, may not have been able to show his best on the European stage this season, but his overall performances in Lisbon have earned admirers across the continent, and he looks set to be the next big-money sale made by the Eagles, such is the attention he’s been receiving.

Like so many of his compatriots in the squad – Conceição and Neto included – it’s his determination and desire that separates him from other impressive technicians, and his calm head when operating under pressure from opponents and the instinct and quick thinking to wriggle out of tight situations to carry the ball forwards with his agility and close control, makes him an incredibly dangerous player. Driving through the middle of the field, Neves can turn defence into attack and instigate potentially lethal moves for Portugal by carving through the opposition. He, much like Conceição and Neto, is by no means a guaranteed starter, such is the depth of talent in this squad. But when he plays, you can expect him to impress.