Dani Silva, Midtjylland and Portugal’s 24-year-old midfielder, was quick to praise his national team-mate Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s 25-year-old midfielder. Speaking at a press conference, he went so far as to say that the Parisian is currently Portugal’s best player. He also pointed out that with Joao Neves, a 20-year-old PSG player, they form a pair that should leave their mark on Portugal for years to come.
Dani Silva “I still enjoy watching him play”.
“I expected this trajectory and hoped it would come sooner because of the qualities he was already showing back then. He’s a great friend and he’s doing very well now, there’s no doubt about that. At this point, I’d dare say he’s the best Portuguese player today. He plays more or less the same position as me and I always enjoy watching him play.
João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha and Matheus Nunes complement each other very well and I think that in the next five, six, seven years we’ll be protected in terms of midfielders, but Portugal has a very complete team – both on the wings and in central space – and young players everywhere, who will fight to win every game.”
Strong words, the right words, given Vitinha’s weight at PSG and with the national team. He plays with a certain slackness and an impressive maturity. He’s a reliable, underrated player, but he’s present at every major event.
Dani Silva puts him in the spotlight, along with Joao Neves, who has also come into his own this season in Paris. Portugal can rest easy in midfield over the next few years, as they have two of the best players in their position.
