Whenever there is talk of some of the most formidable nations in soccer, Portugal’s name always surfaces. However, their past records often fail to support this claim, leaving them as a strong team only on paper. The 2016 UEFA Euro win marked the country’s inaugural silverware in soccer, followed by a UEFA Nations League win in 2019.

While their dream for the World Cup remains incomplete for now, they have a chance to add another European trophy with the 17th edition of the UEFA Euro on the horizon. But before they jump the gun, a deep analysis of their 2024 roster may back their cause.

Portugal squad for UEFA Euro 2024

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio

Defenders: Antonio Silva, Danilo Pereira, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Pepe, Ruben Dias

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Vitinha

Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao

Portugal has a change in dynamics in the Euro 2024 as they enter the tournament with new boss Roberto Martinez. The former Belgian boss has made over 12 changes from Fernando Santos’ 2020 roster.

Key Ins for Euro 2024 from Portugal: Diogo Costa, Diogo Dalot, Vitinha, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao

Key Outs for Euro 2024 from Portugal: Anthony Lopes, Raphael Guerreiro (injury), Joao Moutinho, Renato Sanches, William Carvalho, Andre Silva, Goncalo Guedes

Young stars to look out for

Francisco Conceicao: The former FC Porto star, who is set to join AFC Ajax after the Euros, has made a significant breakthrough in Roberto Martinez’s squad. He made over 43 appearances across all competitions, notching 8 goals and 8 assists for his domestic side. The 21-year-old winger was featured in the recent international fixtures against Slovenia and Finland.

Joao Neves: At 19, Joao Neves is the youngest player on the Portugal roster, making his 41-year-old veteran teammate Pepe feel much older. Speaking of the youngster, he finally broke through SL Benfica’s first team, after rising through the ranks of their academy. A natural holding midfielder, Neves has made an impressive 55 appearances for his domestic side, notching 3 goals and 2 assists as well. That’s not all as after making his international debut under Roberto Martinez, he has played over 4 international friendlies and 3 European qualifiers.

(Notable Mentions: Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Costa, Rafael Leao)

Portugal predicted playing XI and key players

Roberto Martinez was famous for playing a 3-4-2-1 style while in charge of Belgium. However, now the Spanish tactician has realized the best of what Portugal can use to their advantage. A simple 4-3-3 is expected to be played with a single pivot unit in midfield. Additionally, Os Navegadores will play an offensive game, shifting itself to a 3-4-3 or a 3-3-4.

Portugal predicted playing XI: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes; Joao Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva

Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Joao Cancelo

In conclusion, Portugal has a mix of veterans, youngsters, and players who are in their prime. Yet again, the focus remains on the new faces, especially with head coach Roberto Martinez now leading the pack. The pressure to help  Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. lift the European trophy is no joke and it remains to be seen how Portugal as a collective side does in the tournament.