Portugal’s squad announcement was yesterday, no celebrations or anything like that, just straight to the point, which I actually prefer, although I also understand the whole celebratory approach Brazil used. Honestly, I like both styles. Looking at the squad itself, there were no huge surprises, but there are still a few things that need to be discussed.
The first point is simple: Portugal are absolutely one of the favourites to win the World Cup. I understand why Roberto Martínez does not say it directly, even if he believes it himself, because the less pressure, the better. He said the favourites are the nations that have already won the competition, but deep down we all know the quality this squad has. There is an absurd amount of talent here, even with a few issues. For me, Portugal are minimum top five and, honestly, I easily put them in the top two or three.
The second point is the absences. Overall, I understand them and I also do not think they are massively decisive. João Palhinha is left out, meaning the only truly defensive midfielder becomes Rúben Neves, who is much more about construction than destruction. And honestly, that makes sense, because most games will have Portugal dominating possession, playing positional football against deep blocks, and in those situations you need build-up quality more than defensive aggression. Even then, Rúben Neves probably will not even start.
The midfield simply does not change: Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes which, for me, is the best midfield in the world right now. Mateus Fernandes also misses out and that one is understandable too, but it still feels slightly harsh when you take Samu Costa, who has not shown anything particularly special, while Mateus had a great season. But again, like I said, you are not changing that midfield anyway.
Third point: Cristiano is, rightly, untouchable. Gonçalo Ramos does not come close to offering what he brings. You can afford not to have constant pressing from one player because Ronaldo is not going to press. Just like Argentina adapt for Messi or Brazil adapt when Neymar comes on, you shape the team around that reality.
Another thing I found strange was the number of full-backs. Unless Roberto still sees Matheus Nunes as a midfielder, which technically he is, even though the reality is he spent the whole season playing at right-back and doing it well. But in this Portugal squad, there is simply too much quality in those areas already. Then you also have Nélson Semedo included… I do not know, it feels slightly odd, even if it is a physically demanding position.
As for Kroupi Jr., Roberto Martínez himself said the player does not want to represent Portugal and instead wants France. If that is the case, there is not much you can do. And honestly, it is a shame, because he is a huge talent and could have been very important.
Conclusion
Overall, I liked Roberto Martínez’s squad and I would not change much. There is no such thing as a perfect squad list, there will always be debates about who was left out. That is normal. Portugal go into this World Cup with a few concerns on the wings, Leão did not have a great season and Bernardo, despite being an incredible player, does not always perform at the same level for the national team, but even with that, I still have Portugal firmly in my top three favourites alongside Spain and France.
This is a World Cup to win. For Portugal, for Cristiano Ronaldo, who deserves it, and for Diogo Jota.