Player Talent Scout: Eduardo Quaresma

Portugal’s Primeira Liga returned two weeks ago for the first time in three months and one player who caught the eye was Sporting debutant Eduardo Quaresma.

A product of the famous Sporting youth system which has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Nani, Simão Sabrosa and his namesake Ricardo Quaresma, the 18 year-old central defender impressed in a 2-2 draw with Vitoria Guimarães on June 4th.

He retained his place for the 1-0 win against Pacos Ferreira on Friday night and after another assured performance he was once again selected for last night’s 2-0 victory over Tondela. Quaresma has played in a back three alongside the experienced Sebastián Coates and Jeremy Mathieu in Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Quaresma joined Sporting’s youth academy in 2011 and has been a regular for Portugal at international level from the under 15 age group all the way through to under 19 level, where he is currently a mainstay.

Related to the legendary Brazilian Zico, Quaresma has already been linked with AC Milan, Internazionale and RB Leipzig but Sporting acted fast this week and the young defender signed a new contract with the club until 2025 including a €45m release clause.

Quaresma is quick and reads the game well allowing him to tackle and intercept and he is also comfortable in possession. He has been nominated for the long list for the Tuttosport Golden Ball this week to cap off an incredible start to a professional career that could go right to the very top of the game.