Former Wolves wing-back Matt Doherty has said he is looking forward to watching Ruben Neves for Portugal at the World Cup.
Fernando Santos’ side finally get their campaign underway later today, as they take on Ghana at 4pm.
A lot of eyes are on Portugal following the explosive interview conducted by Cristiano Ronaldo last week.
The 37-year-old has since left Manchester United by mutual consent, and many people are ready to watch Portugal to see how he in particular gets on.
But there are many other talented players in this Portugal team.
One such individual is Neves, who has been in superb form for Wolves this season.
Wanderers have struggled as a collective. But Neves has led by example in midfield.
Doherty played with Neves for three years at Molineux, and is very much looking forward to catching him in action as well as Ronaldo.
Selecting his ‘player to watch’ for his World Cup diary, he said: “I’m going to go with someone I know, and I hope starts the game, and that’s Ruben Neves in midfield for Portugal against Ghana.
“Even if he doesn’t start, I’m sure he’ll come on and have an impact in the tournament. I know exactly what he’s capable of from my time at Wolves. Hopefully he starts.”
Neves featured heavily in Portugal’s recent Nations League campaign, starting all five of their games.
But he played no part in the final friendly match against Nigeria.
It remains to be seen what his level of involvement will be. But Santos will no doubt be strongly considering him to start against Ghana.
Wolves fans will share Doherty’s thoughts about Neves, with former Molineux full-back keen to watch maestro for Portugal
So Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign today, and it will be really interesting to see Santos’ starting XI.
Their squad is absolutely packed with talent, so it will be fascinating to see who he goes with.
Neves – a £16 million signing from FC Porto for Wolves – has competition in the form of Danilo Pereira, Joao Palhinha and William Carvalho.
He may also be competing with his Wolves teammate Matheus Nunes, with Bernando Silva and Bruno Fernandes both likely starters in midfield.
It will be brilliant to see Neves playing in a team surrounded by world-class players.
Hopefully Santos sees the value in him and deploys him in that holding midfield position.