Football
Portugal is not just about Ronaldo. Take a look at all the stars of the Czech opponent
When you say Portugal, almost every football fan thinks of Cristiano Ronaldo. But today, it’s definitely not just about the best goalscorer in history, the Iberian country has produced many stars for the world.
When you say Portugal, almost every football fan thinks of Cristiano Ronaldo. But today, it’s definitely not just about the best goalscorer in history, the Iberian country has produced many stars for the world.
João Cancelo – right-back
A key mainstay of Manchester City, who have dominated the Premier League in recent years. Pep Guardiola puts him at both left and right-back and he often has a key role in the midfield. Extremely quick and difficult to cross, his impeccable technique also makes him a big threat in attack. In Portugal, he starts at right-back, but if coach Santos spares him, Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot will step in.
Pepe – stopper
Real Madrid and Portugal icon. At 39, the incisive stopper is still rocking at Porto, with whom he won the title. The duels with him hurt extremely, as Lionel Messi could attest, having been regularly knocked around by him.
Bruno Fernandes – central midfielder
One of Manchester United’s driving forces. He scores a lot of goals as a sub and occasionally plays on the wing for the national team. He had a terrific first season and a half in the Premier League, netting 26 goals and adding 19 assists, and had a bit of a down year with Manchester City in this one, although the numbers still weren’t bad (10+6). However, he has come on leaps and bounds in the national team and was behind both of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals against Switzerland.
Bernardo Silva – Winger, central midfielder
A bit of an underrated player, but Bernardo Silva has incalculable value to the Citizens and Pep Guardiola knows it very well. An inexhaustible physical pool, brilliant technique and a willingness to work for the team are the main strengths of the 27-year-old all-rounder.
Other stars
Not to be forgotten is Diogo Jota, the Liverpool striker. At left-back, young Nuno Mendes, who was bought by PSG, shines. João Leao, who had the season of his life at AC Milan, is also ready on the bench. And the current reunion is still missing Citizens defensive leader Rubén Diaz and Atlético Madrid starlet João Felix.
Source: Portugal, Transfermarkt