Cristiano Ronaldo will play at a sixth FIFA World Cup this summer, but Portugal’s chances of success lie with their many other exceptional forwards.
When you think of Portugal, you think of Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves and Samú Costa, Portugal may have the best group of midfielders to choose from of any side at the World Cup.
Fernandes comes into the tournament fresh off his most productive Premier League campaign for Manchester United (nine goals, 21 assists), leading the top flight for chances created (136) and breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single campaign, edging past Thierry Henry (20 in 2002-03) and Kevin de Bruyne (20 in 2019-20).
Bruno’s record-breaking season
Premier LeagueThe Most Assists in a Premier League Season
2 weeks ago David SegarFernandes has at times has struggled to translate his talismanic club form onto the international stage, but he has gone from strength to strength for his nation in recent years. In Portugal’s final World Cup qualifying match, a 9-1 rout of Armenia, Fernandes ran the show, scoring a hat-trick and creating eight chances. Across Portugal’s last two friendlies, a 2-0 win over USA in April and a 2-1 win against Chile last Saturday, Fernandes has been involved in three goals, assisting both against the US before scoring what proved to be the winner against Chile.
He also led Portugal in World Cup qualifying for chances created, with 21, which was 10 more than any other player. Manager Roberto Martínez will be hoping Fernandes can take this form into the World Cup and continue to lead the supply line.
Operating behind Fernandes in the Portugal midfield is another world-class talent in João Félix, Portugal have something of a wildcard who can make the difference in the final third. A player who after several years of turbulence that involved two separate moves to Chelsea, a loan to Barcelona and a loan to AC Milan, is finally high on confidence and performing consistently following since his move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr.
The 26-year-old was recently awarded the Player of the Season award, pipping teammate Ronaldo in the process, thanks to his 20 goals and 13 assists in 33 league games. If he can continue his good rhythm going into the tournament, he could have a big impact for his nation.
Clearly, the Seleção have the quality to go far in this tournament. The question is whether Martínez can harness the best of it to prove Portugal this team has so much more to them than their star man.
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Can Portugal Prove They Are More Than Ronaldo FC With a Run to World Cup Glory? Opta Analyst.
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