Player Watch: Vieirinha

The first time I watched Vieirinha play seven years ago, I became an immediate fan. At the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, he launched a missile from within Portugal's own half that only had one destination - Cameroon's goal. I was awe struck, and followed his career from that moment on. Furthermore, at the 2003 UEFA U-17 Football Championship, he won Player of the Tournament ahead of Cesc Fabregas. He was formed in the youth ranks of Vitoria de Guimaraes, and snatched up by Porto after his brilliant 2003. Fast forward through a few loan moves to the present, and he is currently plying his trade under Fernando Santos for Greek side PAOK. His stellar performances since his arrival two years ago have helped transform the club. PAOK finished 9th in the 2007-08 season before his arrival, but bettered that by five spots with his help in the 2008-09 campaign. Now 24, he has lead the charge for PAOK in the current campaign, lifting them to second place, and bagging seven goals and numerous assists in the progress. I firmly believe Vieirinha can cement a worldwide status for himself if he joins a league with greater international exposure. His huge talent is undeniable, and recently put on a show for the Portugal U-23 squad against Wales, where he brilliantly set up two goals. Given his call up to the U-23 squad, it's known he's on Queiroz's radar, but let's hope Queiroz gives him a shot at the big time sooner rather than later.

Big Trouble in Little China

Portugal limped to an insipid, uninspiring victory over the Chinese yesterday. Although we had the lion's share of possession, complete control from the opening whistle, and looked rather comfortable on the ball, it was still a victory that lacked a cutting edge in front of the opposition's goal. We came close several times - including a Chinese clearance off their goal line, and a couple cracks of the framework - but we simply didn't punish them and bury our chances as we should have. This concerns me because when we come up against better opposition at the World Cup, the number of chances will be far fewer, and if our conversion rate remains the same, we just won't have a chance at winning anything! What particularly irked me was in the second half when Hugo Almeida dropped to the left wing, and took the responsibility of sending in cross after cross...First of all, he is a STRIKER, and secondly, he was our largest threat up front, he should be on the end of the crosses, not delivering them! Some could argue that the wholesale changes at the half compromised the fluidity created by the initial XI, but I say that's a bunch of bullocks! If we truly have one of the best squads in the world, then even our bench should be able to take care of the 83rd FIFA ranked Chinese!

Player Watch: Makukula

Makukula is staking his claim for a call-up to the selecção - he has scored 16 goals so far this season for Kayserispor in the Turkish Super League, currently lifting them to 5th place with as many as 2 games in hand against the teams in front of them. Take a look at the goal he scored over the weekend. It sure would be great to have a tall, physically imposing target man up front to launch a long ball or two up to throughout a game. He may be able to sneak onto the squad as our third striker behind Liedson and Hugo Almeida, and ahead of Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga. Personally, as much as I love Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga, I feel as though now is Makukula's time. He should be given the chance, so make the call Queiroz!