The European under 21 championship has started in top gear has teams battle for a place in the semifinals. Spain and Portugal were not left out of this.
The second group game match between them showcased lots of talents to watch out for or better still, talents that once again proof to us their quality and ability at any given stage.
Ranging from the defence with the likes of Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin to Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Saul Niguez to Real’s attacker Marco Asensio. Portugal were also not left out in the parade of known names with the likes of Bayern’s Renato Sanchez and PSG new starlet Goncalo Guedes who is been linked with a move to Manchester United in their squad.
Goncalo Guedes in particular has been in prolific form at international level, after netting the first goal in Portugal’s 2-0 win over Serbia. He has been dubbed the new Ronaldo with his eye for goal and pace a good attribute for comparism.
According to his former Benfica coach, Jorge Jesus who gave him his debut, “Gonçalo Guedes is two years ahead of his age. You can’t value a player solely on what he does with the ball at his feet; we have to look at how he understands the game tactically and physically.” His move to Paris Saint German was a keenly contested one has Manchester United were also interested in his services.
The euro under 21 championships amplifies what he showed us in the Champions league two seasons ago against Atletico Madrid.
Only few will remember on 30 September 2015. A day that launched Guedes into the limelight. Darting onto Nicolás Gaitán’s pass and already facing a tight angle, he beat Atlético Madrid keeper Jan Oblak with series of spectacular touches to become the youngest-ever Portuguese scorer in the UEFA Champions League, aged 18 years 305 days.
That goal will be remembered has the goal that helped Benfica earn a victory on Spanish soil since 1982. No wonder top clubs were battling for his signature.
On his 20th birthday, November 29 2016, he made a remark about his future. “Where do I see myself when I’m 30? I don’t know. I don’t think about that yet. I’m living the dream, so for now I just want to make the most of my 20s and keep working to improve.”
The under 21 championship currently going on is a stepping stone for greatness in his life ha she has been reportedly watched by other top European scouts. His performance against Spain however might not be gos best outing but his quality is not in doubt and is on the rise to great heights.
Portugal final group game against Macedonia will be another opportunity for the young lad to display his quality once again. And a qualification to the next round just sells him better into greater view and better marketability.
Going back after the championship to fight for a place in the Paris club first eleven will be Guedes priority and that will not come easy considering the pool of talents that the club has for display. His ability to play from the flank and has a Centre forward would get him a better competitive chance in the squad and more moments like the September 30, 2015 will certainly put him in contention for a regular start for PSG.
The motivation is there from club mate Julian Draxler who presently captain the world champions Germany at the FIFA confederations cup who are currently 5/2 in the football betting online, to believe that with hard work and focus to his football, a starting belt should not be has difficult has imagined.
Every player hope is to wear the jersey of his home country at the FIFA world cup. A good season in the coming 2017/2018 season would put him in contention in the Portugal squad for the Russia 2018 world cup.
And also looking in the future, Portugal would consider taking along young lads to competition has age is gradually catching up on the team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. With The likes of Goncalo Guedes, the future of Portugal national team will definitely not be heading south has a good system is already in place for integration into the squad. Little wonders why the under 21 is a championship for that.
