West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes could be a Portugal international this time tomorrow; Roberto Martinez’s side facing Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Saturday night.
Martinez handed the former Southampton ace his first call-up following a stellar debut season at the London Stadium.
Portugal’s one-time Everton, Wigan and Belgium coach could not speak highly enough of Mateus Fernandes’ ‘incredible’ progress as a West Ham United player.
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El Hadji Malick Diouf and Jarrod Bowen celebrate Fulham v West Ham United - Premier League
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And when asked about the Algarve-born Sporting Lisbon academy graduate once again in the build up to Portugal’s meeting with the 2026 World Cup co-hosts, Martinez did not need much encouragement to impart yet more glowing praise on a 21-year-old brand-new to the senior international scene.
Mateus Fernandes’ journey to West Ham United results in Portugal chance
Speaking via O Jogo, Martinez sees Fernandes’ journey to becoming the ‘ultimate Premier League midfielder’ – just two years since a loan spell at little Estoril – makes him an example for all Iberian talents to look up to.
“Mateus Fernandes is a prime example of excellent youth development in Portugal,” Martinez says. “A Portuguese player who goes on loan to Estoril, has a good season, then goes abroad for millions and is proving important in the most competitive league in the world.
“The door is open for players like him.
Mateus Fernandes celebrates during West Ham United v Sunderland - Premier League
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“I loved this training camp; very professional, with new players and continuity. Now, the game will be the key moment to evaluate our team.”
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There is an argument to be made that Fernandes should be mentioned alongside Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and co as the best midfielder playing outside of one of the Premier League’s established powerhouses.
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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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Mateus can learn off Bruno Fernandes at World Cup hopefuls
Of course, speculation has inevitably reared its head in recent times. Manchester United reportedly want to partner Bruno Fernandes with his young namesake.
But having forked over £40 million to Southampton while tying Mateus to a five-year deal just last summer, West Ham will be in a very strong position despite concerning financial losses and the very-real threat of relegation.
Fernandes still has a long way to go to earn a World Cup spot this summer. His first call-up, while richly deserved, owed much to Joao Palhinha’s recent absences at Tottenham and the tired limbs of an ageing Bernardo Silva.
But if he goes toe-to-toe with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and co under the beady gaze of Roberto Martinez, he will certainly not be doing his chances any harm.
Fernandes has even been dubbed ‘the future’ of Portuguese football. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves and Palhinha are not getting any younger, either.
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