Paulo Lopes says Mourinho-admired Benfica talent Gonçalo Moreira can reach the highest level | OneFootball

Paulo Lopes has hailed Benfica prospect Gonçalo Moreira, admired by Mourinho, saying the youngster has everything to reach the highest level. The former Benfica goalkeeper and ex-under-23 coach now leads SJK’s B team in Finland.

"For me, the decision was easy. I had watched the under-17s and knew him. He had everything I needed, the way he played, intensity, technical quality, intelligence, energy. All of that makes everyone follow him," he told A Bola.

A first-team debut has not yet arrived for Moreira, but his rise continues, underlined by Benfica B’s recent win over Farense.

"He is emotionally stable, respectful, polite, hardworking. He has a contagious joy for the game. He is not someone to get big-headed. He has every condition to reach the highest level."

"He handled the step to the under-23s at 17 well. It was not easy, we were very young and already playing against men. He stayed focused and got what he deserved."

Moreira could make his under-21 debut in Baku against Azerbaijan in Euro 2027 qualifying. He has 42 youth caps, 18 at under-17, nine at under-18, nine at under-19 and six at under-20, and has taken another step towards the senior side.

Source: Glorioso 1904