EURO 2021 analysis: Portugal has the strongest team in recent years, it’s not just about Ronaldo anymore

Portugal is one of the biggest favourites for the upcoming European Championships. A loaded squad must first make it through the group of death, who will play a key role on the way out?

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Rui Patrício (Wolves), Rui Silva (Granada)

The number one goalkeeping position is also very much addressed in the Iberian Peninsula. The number one in recent years has been Rui Patrício, who has been a regular in goal for England’s Wolverhampton.

Anthony Lopes, a mainstay of Olympique Lyon, got his chance at the last meeting. He has played all three games, but is expected to have to settle for the number two role. Moreover, Patrício did not travel at all for the triple-match against Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg.

Defenders: João Cancelo (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Wolves), José Fonte (LOSC Lille), Pepe (Porto), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (Sporting), Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund)

The Portuguese defence is already a source of great respect at first sight. In the midfield you can expect the pair of Ruben Dias, José Fonte, both of whom were the best stoppers in their respective leagues. And even the backup in the form of Pepe is more than good.

On the right, Joao Cancelo, also a big Manchester City mainstay, has a certain place, it’s on the other side that hangs a question mark. Raphael Guerreiro missed the last game due to injury, but he is back now and will most likely take the left flank. Nuno Mendes may get a chance at his expense after a terrific season at Sporting.

Midfielders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), João Palhinha (Sporting), Rúben Neves (Wolves), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Moutinho (Wolves), Renato Sanches (LOSC Lille), Sérgio Oliveira (Porto), William Carvalho (Real Betis)

In recent years, Portugal have mostly played in 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation. The midfield is probably the weakest for Fernando Santos’ charges, but there are certainly plenty of options to choose from.

The most offensive position is reserved for Bruno Fernandes, who had another excellent season at Manchester United and helped a lot to the second place in the Premier League.

But who will operate underneath him? If the decision was based on form, the pairing of Sergio Oliveira, Ruben Neves or Renato Sanchez would be chosen, but the experienced coach likes to start with one defensive shield. Danilo Pereira is Santos’ favourite and his place is virtually assured, with the other players fighting for the last spot.

Forwards: Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP), André Silva (Eintracht Frankfurt), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia), João Félix (Atlético Madrid), Rafa Silva (Benfica)

In the offense, we really find one star next to the other. The three-man attack could be put together in many ways, with Bernardo Silva most often on the right, Cristiano Ronaldo in the middle and Diogo Jota on the left, of course.

If things don’t go well, André Silva, the author of twenty-eight Bundesliga goals, young Joao Felix or speedsters Rafa Silva or Goncalo Guedes could step in.

Against paper-weaker teams like Hungary, moving Bernardo Silva to the midfield instead of one of the more defensive midfielders and bringing on Felix, or switching to a two-goal formation and bringing on André Silva is also an option.

CR7’s form and the work rate of the midfield

That Portugal is dependent on Ronaldo’s goals is something we’re already used to. He literally pushed the team all the way to the final at the last Euro, and he shone at the last World Cup, too, with four goals to secure promotion from the group stage.

The top scorer in the history of the international scene, he is the best Serie A cannonballer this year and hopes to continue his great form from the big tournaments. And with players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva behind him, he can do great things.

The midfield will also play an important role, as they need to work as hard as they can at the back. The Portuguese have a very offensive edge of defence and Danilo Pereira must forget his laziness, for which he was criticised during his PSG engagement. Ditto the other midfielder under Fernandes.

Finals

Sources: Transfermarkt, Livesport