Portugal’s squad depth for Euro 2020 is frightening

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When Portugal won the European Championship back in 2016, they weren’t considered the strongest team in Europe at the time. Nations like France, Germany and Belgium were expected to challenge for the trophy, yet Portugal ended up beating the French in the final.

However, as we approach this summer’s European Championship, Portugal’s squad has the potential to be one of the – if not the – best at the tournament, so much so that they are among the bookmakers’ favourites to defend their crown.

Let’s take a closer look at Portugal’s remarkable pool of talent.

• Goalkeepers

• Rui Patricio
• Anthony Lopes
• Rui Silva

With almost a century of international caps under his belt, Rui Patricio (Wolves) is Portugal’s undisputed number one. However, Anthony Lopes (Lyon) and Rui Silva (Granada) are both competent understudies.

• Left-Backs

• Raphael Guerreiro
• Mario Rui
• Nuno Mendes

Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund) is Portugal’s first-choice left-back, although Mario Rui (Napoli) and Nuno Mendes (Sporting CP) are both capable of filling in for Guerreiro.

Rui has over 150 Serie A appearances to his name, while Mendes has recently become Sporting’s leading left-back, despite being just 18 years old.

• Centre-Backs

• Ruben Dias
• Jose Fonte
• Ruben Semedo
• Pepe
• Domingos Duarte
• Diogo Leite

Ruben Dias (Manchester City) has enjoyed a standout season in the Premier League and looks set to guide Pep Guardiola’s side to the domestic title this term, as well as the possibility of more silverware later in the campaign.

Pepe (Porto) and Jose Fonte (Lille) are hugely experienced, Ruben Semedo (Olympiacos) is another adept option, while Domingos Duarte (Granada) and Digo Leite (Porto) are younger centre-back alternatives.

• Right-Backs

• Joao Cancelo
• Ricardo Pereira
• Nelson Semedo

Portugal right-back berth is full of Premier League depth, with Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Ricardo Pereira (Leicester City) and Nelson Semedo (Wolves) all competing for a place in Fernado Santos’ starting XI.

• Central Midfielders

• William Carvalho
• Danilo Pereira
• Joao Moutinho
• Ruben Neves
• Sergio Oliveira
• Renato Sanches

William Carvalho (Real Betis) and Danilo Pereira (PSG) are likely to start in the heart of Portugal’s midfield. However, Joao Moutinho (Wolves) and Ruben Neves (Wolves) offer stiff competition in that area.

Meanwhile, Sergio Oliveira (Porto) and Renato Sanches (Lille) will both be pushing for a spot in Portugal’s central midfield.

• Attacking Midfielders/Wingers

• Bruno Fernandes
• Bernardo Silva
• Rafa Silva
• Pedro Neto
• Pedro Goncalves
• Francisco Trincao
• Daniel Podence

There is a heavy Premier League influence when it comes to Portugal's attacking midfield/winger options, with Bruno Fernandes (Manchester City), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Pedro Neto (Wolves) and Daniel Podence (Wolves) are vying for a place in Santos’ side.

Rafa Silva (Benfica), Pedro Goncalves (Sporting CP) and Franciso Trincao (Barcelona) present Santos with yet more top-quality options both out wide and centrally.

• Forwards/Strikers

• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Joao Felix
• Andre Silva
• Diogo Jota
• Rafael Leao

Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) is the star of the show in Portugal’s forward department. But let’s not forget that Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) continues to enhance his glowing reputation in La Liga on an almost weekly basis.

Elsewhere, Andre Silva (Eintracht Frankfurt), Diogo Jota (Liverpool) and Rafael Leao (AC Milan) have all been banging in goals for their respective clubs this season.