THE BALL – Portugal’s likely eleven for tonight’s game (Selection)
Fernando Santos has 26 players called up, but only 24 are available for tonight’s game with the presence, as João Cancelo and Pepe are unavailable, although they can score in case Portugal reaches the final meeting with Italy or North Macedonia. The National Team is full of talent and, thus, there are many doubts, at least for those who observe from the outside, for the starting eleven.
The goal will be given to Rui Patrício, the center of the defense most likely to José Fonte and Danilo Pereira, while Dalot and Nuno Mendes should come on the flanks, with Cédric and Raphael Gureiro as alternatives.
In midfield, even more doubts. Assuming the defense that Danilo will play, the midfielder should be made up of William Carvalho and João Moutinho, men who bring a greater axis of thought, although neither of them is at this stage of their careers number 6. Bernardo Silva will start for the season he is to do at Manchester City and for being a fundamental and almost irreplaceable part of the National Team. He will certainly play in an ambiguous position between midfielder and striker. So restore a position in the expected 4x4x2 of Fernando Santos: Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Nunes or Otávio. Manchester United’s attacking midfielder clearly starts from pole position.
There are then two seats to be shared by six players. Or rather a position for five, as Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 37, continues to be a very good starter. Next to the captain must be Jota.
Read more on digital edition or in the print edition of A BOLA.