Roberto Martinez praises Joao Neves and admits he called the Benfica midfielder to tryout

On Monday, Portugal coach praised the performance of Joao Neves in the Sporting – Benfica match in the First Football League and admitted that the “red” midfielder is on the list of possible squads for the national team.

“It’s very easy for me. All players who are in youth teams and play for the first team [dos seus clubes]it’s a direct “alarm,” Roberto Martinez replied when asked if João Neves would be on his list of potential players.

The Spaniard gave an interview at the closing of the 2nd Bola Branca conference on Radio Renascença, dedicated to the topics “Talent, ethics and equality in sport”, and did not hide his admiration for the performance of the young “incarnation”, who is only 18 years old. years, scorer of Benfica’s second goal in Sunday’s derby, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

“João Neves plays like a player much older than his age. He has a very important role in the under 19 team, he will grow and he will have minutes of competition. We have a very clear individual plan, and yesterday [domingo] was an indispensable player for his team. Other players need three or four seasons to gain that kind of experience,” Martinez praised.

The Portugal coach watched the 33rd round I Liga derby at José Alvalade Stadium, a challenge that was “very significant for the game in Portugal”, and admitted that he “really enjoyed” the meeting, which was “high”. performance at all levels.”

“In these games, it is important to keep an eye on the player. Important for a young person [aprender a] achieve your goals together with the team, control emotions at critical moments. The players are better today after this game. As for the breeder, these are the games I love to see,” commented the coach before praising Joao Neves.

Regarding the goals of the Portuguese team, Martínez suggested that he might consider winning Euro 2024, but recalled that “he needs to qualify first” and felt that the fact that Portugal had already won the European Championship in 2016, ” makes a big difference.” an important starting point from a psychological point of view.”

“I need to see the dedication, the growth of the players, the presence of the connecting ball, playing good football and building a team that is always very competitive. Step by step, we can dream together, but it is important to have very clear and specific goals,” admitted the former Belgium coach.

Asked if the players feel the urge to win a major tournament, Roberto Martinez said he feels “responsible”.

“Our players have a special feeling for the national team, but [também] the degree of commitment and responsibility that allows the coach to build a very competitive team. To win the European Championship or the World Cup, the margin is very small, it is important for us to work on this gap, ”he commented.