Know Your Enemy: Portugal's Joao Moutinho

In what often seems a broken team with six defensive players and three forwards, Moutinho's capacity to link the two parts of the side, both with his running
Know Your Enemy: Portugal's Joao Moutinho
Know Your Enemy: Portugal's Joao Moutinho /

Joao Moutinho's role for Portugal may not always draw the spotlight, but he is a crucial component of Paulo Bento's side.
Joao Moutinho's role for Portugal may not always draw the spotlight, but he is a crucial component of Paulo Bento's side :: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

In what often seems a broken team with six defensive players and three forwards, Moutinho's capacity to link the two parts of the side, both with his running and his passing ability, is critical. Efficient rather than flashy, he is the central intelligence that binds Portugal together.


Published
Jonathan Wilson
JONATHAN WILSON

An accomplished author of multiple books, Jonathan Wilson is one of the world’s preeminent minds on soccer tactics and history.