Benfica’s young star tipped for greatness, likened to João Neves | OneFootball

Paulo Lopes considers Gonçalo Moreira to be "similar" to João Neves, and predicts a great future for the player from Benfica's youth academy. The former player and coach of the Eagles' under-23 team gave an interview to the newspaper A Bola, where he discussed some of the young players from the team who might make the leap to the main squad.

When asked about who he foresees having a top career, Paulo Lopes began by saying: "When you coach a team with the quality of Benfica, it's natural for many names to come up. It's very difficult because I'm sure that soon three or four will be at the top."

"It depends on the context, but I really like Gonçalo Moreira. He is very similar to João Neves, in the joy with which he trains and the willingness he has to help the team. I am absolutely sure he will be a top-level player. When? I don't know. It will take its time, he will have to be patient, but I believe he will get there," he stated, unafraid to make the comparison with the midfielder who now shines at PSG.

Paulo Lopes introduced Gonçalo Oliveira to the under-23s when he was just 17 years old, and explained this decision: "It was a very young generation, [Gonçalo] Moreira, [João] Fonseca, Olívio [Tomé]. Maybe that's why the results weren't the best (laughs), but in terms of player development, it was the best thing that was done."

"They were playing in a higher competition, against older players. Those involved in the process must be aware that there can be failure and that they won't win as often. The B team had a fantastic season last year, but in the meantime, there was a generational change. If we are focused on winning the competition, this clearly cannot be the plan. But if everyone agrees and is focused, I completely agree," concluded the former Benfica goalkeeper.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.