West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has shared his thoughts on Mateus Fernandes making the Portugal squad for the March international break.
Fernandes has represented Portugal at every age group from the under-18s to the under-21s and is now part of the senior team.
Head coach Roberto Martinez called him up as a result of his excellent debut season at West Ham, despite the team’s struggles.
Nuno has now discussed Fernandes’ quality to the Portuguese media ahead of his potential debut against the United States on Tuesday night.
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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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Nuno wishes Mateus Fernandes well in Portugal debut pursuit
Fernandes did not feature in Portugal’s 0-0 draw against Mexico on Saturday, even though Martinez made nine substitutions.
However, reports from Portugal suggest the West Ham midfielder will make his debut against Mauricio Pochettino’s USA on Tuesday.
Speaking at the National Association of Football Coaches Forum in Albufeira on Monday, Nuno publicly praised Fernandes for his “deserved” call-up in a “fantastic season.”
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“Hopefully, he can help the national team. I’m very, very happy for him. He deserves it,” he said via Maisfutebol.
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A graphic showing Mateus Fernandes being voted Man of the Match by West Ham fans vs Burnley.
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“He’s having a fantastic season, he works hard, and he’s very talented and disciplined. I hope he comes back well because we have an important game on Sunday.”
Given that Portugal’s matches against Mexico and the USA are only friendlies, it would make sense for Martinez to give Fernandes his debut.
Once that happens, the playmaker’s next goals should be to become a regular member of the squad and prove himself as an impact sub.
Portugal are blessed with quality midfielders, such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Ruben Neves, so it will be difficult for the West Ham man to break through.
Still, at 21 years of age, he can enjoy learning from those stars until the time comes for him to replace them in the starting XI.
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