Striker Dilemma: Hugo Almeida

Date of Birth: May 23, 1984
Place of Birth: Figueira da Foz, Portugal
Height: 1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight: 86 kg (189 lbs)
Current Club: FC Porto loaned to Werder Bremen

Club History
FC Porto youth system
2002/2003 Professional career started with a loan deal to UD Leiria
2003/2004 Split between FC Porto and loan to UD Leiria
2004/2005 Split between FC Porto and loan to Boavista FC
2005/2006 Regular duty with FC Porto and monster goal in Champions League against Inter Milan

National Team History
Regular member of the national team youth squads
Made his senior debut at age 19
Member of the 2004 and 2006 under-21 Euro finals squad
Called up by Scolari in the last two Euro qualification rounds but has yet to make an impact

Hugo Almeida is a promising young talent with considerable experience in the Portuguese Superliga and European competitions. He has several under-21 competitions under his belt and was called by Scolari in the last two rounds of Euro 2008 qualification. He may not have all the moves of a Samuel Eto’o or a Didier Drogba but his stature and physique give him a certain amount of presence in the box. He is hard to beat in the air and has a legendary left foot. He is best known for a thunderous free kick against Inter Milan in last years Champions League competition. Take a look at the highlight video below to see more of Hugo in action.