Mourinho calls up 17-year-old Miguel Figueiredo for Arouca v Benfica | OneFootball

José Mourinho has handed 17-year-old Miguel Figueiredo a first senior Benfica call-up for the trip to Arouca, and the midfielder could make his debut.

According to Glorioso 1904, the central midfielder, who can also operate in a holding role, is travelling north with the squad.

Regarded as one of Benfica’s brightest academy talents, Figueiredo helped win the national under-17 title last season. This term he has 16 outings and one goal for Benfica B. He has also played five UEFA Youth League matches, scoring once, plus two in the Liga Revelação and one in the Premier League International Cup.

He joined Benfica at 12 and captained several youth sides. After lifting the under-17 crown, he praised the group’s collective effort and spoke of pride in representing the club. He has said wearing the shirt is a privilege rather than a pressure.

Figueiredo belongs to the same crop as Anísio Cabral and José Neto, both already senior debutants. That group won the under-17 World Cup, where he scored once in three games.

Primarily a position eight, he was promoted to the B team at the start of this season and established himself under Nélson Veríssimo. The role is also occupied by Tiago Freitas, handed his debut by Mourinho in the home match against Napoli in the Champions League.

Source: Glorioso 1904