Top 5 U-23 Portuguese players in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo might have been at the centre of all limelight for Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, but the real credit should be given to Portugal’s talented youngsters who stepped up and performed admirably at crucial intervals.

This current generation of Portuguese youngsters are supremely talented and if they are nurtured properly we could just see Portugal having a golden generation. These youngsters are hot property currently and it will not be much of a surprise if we see the majority of the players on this list playing for Europe’s top clubs next year.

Let us start of with the supremely talented Portuguese youngsters who just missed out on this list.

Honourable mentions

Andre Gomes (Barcelona)

When you are playing for Barcelona and you are just 23, you will be expected to be on this list. However, it speaks volumes of the young talent in Portugal that the supremely gifted Andre Gomes does not make this list.

Joao Mario (Inter Milan)

Joao Mario is one of the key players in the Portugal national side having already made 23 appearances at the senior level. Currently playing at Inter Milan, the young Portuguese midfielder is known for his excellent passing ability.

Gelson Martins (Sporting CP)

Touted as the future Cristiano Ronaldo, Gelson Martins has been giving sleepless nights to opposition defenders with his blistering runs on the wings for Portuguese giants Sporting CP. Already being scouted by Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea, Martins is definitely one to watch out for in the future.