I heard someone talking about English clubs signing Portuguese players,

It was on either 'The Game' or 'Football Weekly' podcasts this week but I can't remember which one it was. Essentially they were saying that it's so hard to judge how these players might perform in the Premier league as the way the game is played in Portugal is quite different. Also that clubs are largely reluctant to sign Portuguese players as they normally take a long time to settle in and find their feet, something which is absolutely not afforded these days. CR7 was used as an example of one who took a long time to really get going. He was initially seen as a show pony who whilst had all the tricks, was lacking in the ability to affect a game. But after given the time and patience to settle in, look where he is now!

Then they used Bebe as the example of a player who just couldn't do it. The overall point was that the Portuguese players are a real gamble. Personally I don't know if they are any more of a gamble than say a Dutch player, or anyone else for that matter. What I do know is that unless he scores 10 ghouls and keeps a clean sheet on his debut, then he's probably going to be s**t.

Posted By: I Am Hoot, Jan 25, 22:01:39