The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, and Portuguese teams have always been a force to be reckoned with in this prestigious tournament. With their rich history and talented players, Portuguese teams offer some exciting fantasy football picks for Champions League enthusiasts.
There are two Portuguese clubs again in this seasons edition of the Champions League with Benfica and Sporting both representing the country in the tournament as they did last season. The redesigned league phase in it’s second year will commence next week.
We take a look at both clubs and the players that can be great additions to your season’s Champions League fantasy football squad.
BENFICA
Otamendi – The clubs captain is a beast in the center of the field and a ball recovery king during the competition. He finished in top 10 last season in clearance per 90 minutes, balls recovered and tackles. The veteran will earn valuable points while costing little to acquire.
Georgiy Sudakov – The Ukraine midfielder will look to provide the attack from the middle of the field for Benfica, he is no stranger to the competition have appeared over the past few seasons with Shaktar Donetsk and chipped in a pair of goals and an assist last season. His fantasy numbers should provide fantasy managers with optimal returns playing with a stronger club this season.
Amar Dedic – The right back will be out of action for the next couple of weeks due to an injury suffered in international duty but would be a good stash on your squad. He has started his Benfica career in style by being a positive influence in the attack. He adds what Benfica lacked most of last season which is some punch from the wingback position.
Vangelis Pavlidis – The Greek striker lead Benfica in scoring in last seasons competition with seven goals which was good for a place in the Top 15, while chipping in two helpers. A prolific goal scorer who boasts strong ball control and is capable of snuffing out chances with his shrewd positioning and strength
Richard Rios – The Colombian midfielder will be appearing in his first Champions League competition in Europe. His speed and skill with the ball at his feet from his earlier futsal days will be intriguing to watch during matches. He plays mostly deeper in the midfield but is versatile enough to jump into the attack as needed..
SPORTING
Goncalo Inacio – One of the best young center backs in Portugal, the 24 year old enjoys having the ball at his feet and can comfortably play out from the back line. He did not shine as some might have expected in last seasons competition but did chip in one goal for his Lisbon club.
Morten Hjulmand – The captain and defensive midfielder is an intelligent player who reads the game well, which in turn leads to him gaining a high percentage of interceptions and turning that into line breaking passes. He can also shoot from long ranges making him a threat from outside the box.
Trincao – He failed to score a goal in the competition last season but his confidence is at an all time high with his performances for club and country over the past few months. His offensive output is always better though when he is on the right side of the field. Look for the 25 year old to be included in Sporting’s starting eleven on a regular basis.
Pedro Goncalves – The explosive winger is a lethal attacker and can both score while providing his share of assists. He has had a hard time staying healthy the past few seasons but when on his game he is the club’s most dangerous attacker. He appeared in only 200 minutes last season but chipped in two helpers.
Luis Suarez – The striker brought in to replace goal scoring machine Gyokeres, look for Suarez to get the majority of minutes in the number nine role for the club. He has appeared in competition before but only in limited minutes with Marseille during the 2022-23 tournament. Suarez has already provided a pair of goals and assists in his first five league games with the club.