The midfield shuffle

June 5th, 2006 | By: Luis | 4 Comments »

If Maniche has Deco’s back, who’s got Maniche’s? It looks like a battle to the wire between Costinha and Petite. Costinha seems more and more match ready every day, but Petite has impressed everyone with his intensity in training.

They’re equally good choices so what’s a coach to do? I say kick back relax and play both of them if need be. Petite is a midfield bulldog, always on the prowl and capable of turning the tide of play by causing key turnovers. Costinha plays a more cerebral role and usually has a direct impact on the attacking game. And like at Porto, he is the perfect pivot man between defensive and offensive operations.

Scolari has quite an arsenal of tactical options at his disposal and I hope he’ll be as creative as possible with all of them. What do you think?

Just a few more days boys and girls. Strap yourselfs in for the ride!

Tags: Costinha, Portugal, Scolari

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Comments

By Altintop | June 5th, 2006 at 8:36 pm

The midfield looks good, but I would go for Costinha because he’s a hard working tenacious player that always patrols the vital area in midfield. I will call him the mekelele of Portugal.

Posted from United States

By Martin | June 5th, 2006 at 10:00 pm

I agree with the comments on Costinha. I think he should start in midfield. He is a very good pivot when need be. Although perhaps not quite as tenacious as Petit he is better at circulating the ball and can act as a good cover for the centerbacks. My main question with Portugal, is can Fernando Meira adequately fill in for the injured Jorge Andrade?

Posted from United States

By Tony O | June 6th, 2006 at 3:17 am

who is our second option there? Costa? I say, let youth be served

My bigger concern is Valente. Most teams have their better winger on the right side and he is a liablility if you ask me, especially against anyone with some speed. I really wish they would stick Fereira over there.

Posted from United States

By Luis Paulo | June 6th, 2006 at 7:08 am

I say Tiago and Petit. Tiago did a awesome season at Lyon. He should get a chance.

Posted from Brazil