CHAPTER 1, EPISODE 3
Squad analysis
My first focus is on building the strongest possible team based on the 57 players that are currently at the club. Therefore, I took the time for analysing all players and the overall strengths and weaknesses of our squad. From the start of preseason, 25 players will be part of the senior squad. An overview per position:
GK:
Rui Peta is the most all-round option in goal. Certainly in the goalkeeping attributes he is a bit better than the others. Titinho is the one up and coming: he can certainly grow to the position of first goalkeeper in the future. Rui Rosindo has been moved from the B-team to the senior squad as an experienced backup.
DR/WBR:
Rui Martins is physically strong, fast and defensively solid. He can also contribute offensively with a decent dribble and cross. The experienced João Veiga has been moved from the B-team to the senior squad as a backup. His physics are less than Rui Martins, but is slightly better mentally and technically.
DC:
The 21-year-old Frenchman Niougoussa is a complete and physically strong left central defender. He will be a vital link in our defensive line. Right next to him, the Brazilian Brenner Santos seems to be the best option. In addition, David Prata and Carlos Daniel (who is loved by the fans) are decent defenders. Youngster Rúben Santos, a left-footed talent, has been promoted from the B-team to the senior squad.
DL/WBL:
There are two players who can play well in this position: the Brazilian Rodrigo Neves and the 17-year-old talent António Infante. They both have both defensive and attacking qualities and do not differ much from each other. Neves is technically and physically slightly better for the time being, but Infante has stronger mental attributes and has the talent to grow further. This is going to be an interesting battle for a spot in the starting eleven.
MR/AMR:
There are several good options on the right wing, of which 23-year-old Luis Canina seems to be the best. He is technically skilled and has the insight and flair to create something. Pedro Seco is also a good player, who is quite all-round and more reliable defensively. The younger Edu Vieira is also a decent option, but he needs some further development.
DM/MC/AMC:
Defensively and physically, Diogo Conceição is the best player in the center of our midfield. He has strength, aggression and a good tackle. And he's technically decent too. From the B-team I brought in João Graça as a backup for him, because there are few other options in defensive midfield. Madiu Bari seems technically and especially mentally (insight, vision) superior. But there are more good (or at least decent) options. For example, João Malagueta, Marquinhos, Jimmy Ekua and Pedro Seco do not differ much in terms of quality. Luis Henrique can also play in the AMC position, but I see him more as a backup. With the many options available, assembling the strongest midfield might become the biggest puzzle during preseason.
ML/AML:
Tiago Floreano seems like the best option as a traditional left winger. He is an all-round player with a good dribble. He was transfer listed by my arrival, but he will get a new chance to prove himself. Luiz Henrique is right footed and can therefore move into the center of the field from the wing. This gives me the option to vary tactically. We already saw the young António Infante in the department of left defenders . But he is also an excellent talent as a winger. Infante has a lot of potential, but is not quite as far as the other players that are available for this position.
ST:
In the senior squad, there are two true strikers who are similar in type: Iaquinta (right-footed) and Jorge Raposo (left-footed). Both are strong, hard-working players who can score a goal. Iaquinta is physically very complete and an excellent header. However, he does not excel technically. Raposo is slightly better in his technique, but has less speed and is also less strong mentally than Iaquinta. They both like to play with their backs to goal and, in this way, they will become an important focal point of our attacking game.
In the next update I will give a small preview of the tactics I have in mind. Suggestions and ideas are more than welcome!