Player Profile: Maniche

April 3rd, 2006 | By: Luis Paulo | 8 Comments »

Nuno Ricardo Oliveira Ribeiro is his name, but you might know him as Maniche. The nickname was given after the Benfica’s former forward, Michel Manniche. The 28 years old midfielder who was capped to his national team after his good season at FC Porto will be playing this year in Germany.

He started in Benfica in 1995, but he was transferred in a loan to Alverca for 3 years but it was after his second time at the team of “Luz” that his career changed. After some problems with Benfica’s managers he was hired by FC Porto and met Mourinho for the first time. With him he was one of the main players at the UEFA’s Cup and the Champions League, both won by FC Porto. Today, after a quick time in Dínamo Moskov he joined again Mourinho’s squad, this time, in Chelsea.

His history at Portugal’s national team began with Scolari in the match against Brazil but it was in the Euro04 that he stood as one of “Felipão’s” men of trust. That time he scored his two first goals with Portugal against Russia and Netherlands and figured at Euro04 All-Star Team.

A very versatile player, who helps the team on the defense and offense, Maniche made his way in to Portugal 11 starters. He helped the team to qualify to this World Cup and guaranteed his presence this July in Germany.

Tags: Benfica, Maniche, Player Profile, Porto, Portugal

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Comments

By Luis | April 3rd, 2006 at 12:57 pm

A dependable player. He hasn’t played as often this year, but he’s essential to maintaining that mid-field cohesion that Scolari borrowed from FC Porto. Deco, Maniche, Costinha, et al. love playing together. They have remarkable chemistry and pivot seamlessly from defense to offensive support.

On a separate note, congrats to Pauleta for his hat trick. He’s on fire over in France and we need the same kind of contribution for the tourney. He needs to score and score often!

Posted from United States

By Kiko | April 3rd, 2006 at 1:20 pm

Maniche was my favourite Porto player. When he went to Dinamo, I knew he was making a big mistake. I hope to see him at his best in the WC.

Posted from United Kingdom

By soze | April 3rd, 2006 at 2:12 pm

Great player, hopefully he can come up with some more goals like the one against Holland at EC2004. That curl-around special was fantastic. I think it was voted goal of the tournament.

By Luis Paulo | April 3rd, 2006 at 2:19 pm

You thought right. It was the goal of the tournament.

By Ceasar Lourenco | April 3rd, 2006 at 2:28 pm

We’ll need the same magic from him at the WC, and also from some of the others to make it happen.