Eduardo Ferreira steps up for pre-season, wins place in FC Porto attack | OneFootball

FC Porto’s preseason begins on Wednesday, still with no major changes to the squad, but already with a revamped forward line. With the serious injury to Samu and Deniz Gul on holiday after ending his Club World Cup campaign on Friday, André Silva and Eduardo Ferreira will be the strikers present for the start of training. The former is one of the three signings already confirmed, alongside goalkeeper João Afonso and midfielder Eirik Granaas — although he will alternate with the B team — while the latter is part of the group of nine academy players called up by Francesco Farioli for preseason. They are two very different profiles, but with the particularity that André has already been through what Eduardo is only now beginning to discover, and can therefore be an important source of support and advice.

The 18-year-old forward, who reached that age in May, had already been called up several times to train with the first team last season and made his mark in Porto’s successful campaign, scoring 26 goals in 35 matches for the under-19s, a path that led to the national championship title. But it did not stop there. Last season also marked Eduardo Ferreira’s debut in professional football, under João Brandão in Liga Portugal 2, with the B team, for whom he made five appearances. He made his debut in the 3-0 win over Torreense on 28 February and opened his goal account on 13 April, rescuing a point (1-1) against Lusitânia de Lourosa with a clinical contribution off the bench. The next day, coincidentally, the signing of his professional contract was made official, the clearest sign of the confidence placed in Eduardo by the entire football structure, with the Lisbon-born youngster having arrived at the Dragão in 2023/24 from Belenenses.

Based on observations in training and matches, Portal dos Dragões has learned that Eduardo Ferreira is seen by the Dragons as a very complete forward, who developed in several aspects throughout the season, including his heading ability — he stands 1.80 metres tall. Added to that growth is a feline reading of the game in the penalty area, with the ability to finish after crosses and with shots facing goal. In addition, and in traits that also particularly appeal to Farioli, Eduardo offers intensity and commitment in defensive actions, although he is still being challenged to improve his link-up play.

A privileged environment for growth and learning is therefore opening up for the young striker, at least until the coach decides who will go to the training camp in England between 13 and 18 July. And Eduardo will still have André Silva pushing him on, in a start to the season in which the forward is already taking on a good part of the responsibilities up front. The SAD remains in the market for another striker, but Samu is only expected to return at full strength in November, while Deniz Gul will report later (see box) and his continuity is not guaranteed, so the number 19 starts with an advantage. Last season, the 30-year-old striker scored ten goals in La Liga for Elche and worked diligently during the holidays to respond in the best possible way to Farioli’s already well-known demands.

Gul against disappointment

Deniz Gul was one of FC Porto’s three players at the Club World Cup and was the first to bow out, following Turkey’s disappointment in the competition. The forward, the only natural centre-forward called up by Montella, played just five minutes in the first match and 30 in the second, where he missed an unfortunate chance. He is now enjoying a rest period and is expected to report in time for the training camp, hoping to return with a clear head, aware that competition for his position is about to increase.

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