2) Renato Sanches
It is not easy to have the whole world’s scrutiny on you as a tender 18-year-old. The scrutiny is due to Renato Sanches’ expensive transfer to Bayern Munich. With a transfer fee that is reported to be close to €80 million depending upon performance based fees, a lot is expected from the Portuguese starlet. From first impressions, it does seem as though Sanches has handled the pressure well and has taken it in his stride.
Although not selected for a starting role by Fernando Santos for the first few matches, Sanches’ performances as an impact substitute convinced the coach to start him against Poland, a move that paid rich dividends, as Sanches’ goal brought back parity after Robert Lewandowski had given the Poles a lead.
The creative midfielder, who ideally likes to play down the centre but has been deployed down the flanks for Portugal, has added a much-needed spark to the side. Portugal fans will be hoping for a similar display from their starlet on Wednesday.
