Martínez hints at Vitinha-Neves double up as Portugal squad is announced | OneFootball

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez today announced the Seleção squad for the two-legged quarter-final Nations League clash against Denmark.

There are no surprises in the 26 names announced, although the fact Benfica centre-back António Silva was preferred over his club teammate Tomás Araújo raised some eyebrows.

On the back of the sensational performance by PSG duo Vitinha and João Neves in the Champions Leauge victory over Liverpool, Martínez opened the door to utilising the two midfielders at the heart of the Seleçao team too.

Martínez explained that the decision to call up António Silva over Araújo was due to the latter nursing a chronic injury which needed rest.

The Spaniard also defended the call-up of João Félix, who is having another patchy season, saying “Félix produced his best football since I have been Portugal coach at the last squad get-together.”

Vitinha-Neves chemistry

Responding to a more positive question, Martínez lavished PSG midfielder Vitinha with praise, saying he is “the maestro of European football, the man with the baton.”

He also talked about the understanding between the former Porto player and his club teammate João Neves, pointing out that “something special” was noticeable in the partnership when they played together for the Seleção before Neves had joined PSG.

The magnificent form of the two players raises an interesting selection dilemma for the coach, given that he has always picked Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva for crunch games. Can Vitinha, Neves, Bruno and Bernardo all fit in the XI, and if not who will sit out?

As for the Danes, Martínez was, naturally, extremely complimentary about Portugal’s opposition.

“Denmark are a team with a lot of personality, and we know that in Copenhagen we will encounter a spectacular atmosphere,” he said. “They have very experienced players and now also younger players who are starting to emerge like Gustav Isaksen and Conrad Harder.

“I expect a team that presses high and that is prepared to take risks. We have to be at our maximum level. It’s going to be a very good challenge.”

Portugal play the away leg first, on Thursday 20 March in the Danish capital. The decisive match takes place on Sunday 23 March at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

Portugal squad for Nations League quarter-final vs Denmark:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot ( Manchester United), Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Nuno Tavares (Lazio), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), António Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Juventus)

Midfielders: João Palhinha (Bayern Munich), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), João Félix (Milan)