Player profile: Ricardo Carvalho

He was one of Portugal’s key pieces at the Euro04 after taking Fernando Couto’s place on the “11” starters. He was recently considered by Deco the best defender on the entire World. But it wasn’t always like that. Ricardo Carvalho had to work his way throw smallest teams to get the proper recognition at FC Porto.

After being part of Mourinho’s squad that won the Champions League, Ricardo Carvalho was first capped to his national team in 2003 against Albania. At the Euro04 he replaced Fernando Couto after the defeat to Greece and didn’t left the team anymore. He ended up at the tournament All-Star Team. Today he is playing with Mourinho at Chelsea and gained international experience and recognition.

Ricardo Carvalho is a technical defender, very fast and skilled who can predict the opponent moves. He is a very good tackler, almost undefeatable on the aerial duel and adds quality passes at the defense. Now, with over 22 appearances at the national team, Ricardo Carvalho is considered one of the World’s top class central defender and a big candidate to shine at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.