Mateus Fernandes may be on the verge of a Portugal debut, but that does not mean a World Cup spot is guaranteed for the West Ham United midfielder.
The 2016 European Champions will face Mexico on March 29th and the United States on April 1st.
Manager Roberto Martinez is keen to see the ‘incredible’ Fernandes first-hand, having admired West Ham United’s £40 million signing from afar for quite some time.
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Malick Diouf playing for West Ham against Newcastle United. Mateus Fernandes playing for West Ham against Tottenham.
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Tottenham’s Joao Palhinha was left at home as he recovers from concussion. This, coupled with Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva given a much-needed rest, opened the door for Mateus Fernandes to translate his fine Under-21 displays onto the senior stage.
But, as O Jogo explain, the Sporting Lisbon academy graduate is only one step further along in long, winding journey to a World Cup place.
West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes still faces World Cup battle
The Portuguese paper point out that, with namesake Bruno Fernandes ahead of Mateus in the pecking order, plus Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha and Matheus Nunes included in Martinez’s latest roster, West Ham’s number 18 is still a long way off being an established member of the international fold.
“With a top-class midfield, Mateus Fernandes and [Real Mallorca’s] Samu Costa will have difficulty troubling the attacking trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, with Ruben Neves and Palhinha usually being the substitutes,” O Jogo write.
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“[And when he returns] Bernardo Silva brings versatility, whether from the centre or on the right side of the attack.”
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El Hadji Malick Diouf and Jarrod Bowen celebrate Fulham v West Ham United - Premier League
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A misty-eyed Fernandes talked up winning the World Cup with Portugal when asked by DAZN to explain his future ambitions recently.
Presuming there are no injuries to Martinez’s established order between now and June, the 2030 edition of football’s biggest tournament may remain a more attainable ambition for a midfielder who may find himself becoming the ‘first-reserve’ behind so many experienced operators this summer.
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