World Cup Scout: Portugal vs Spain - Sought after midfielder will be keen to prove worth

A cloud of uncertainty shrouds Portugal’s meeting with Spain. A host of Portugal’s top players are hoping to leave Sporting this summer and are in the process of rescinding their contract with the Liga NOS side. Meanwhile, Julen Lopetegui was sacked as Spain head coach on the eve of the World Cup with Fernando Hierro taking over the reins for the tournament.

Both teams share a strong disliking for one another and this only adds another element to what should be a tasty encounter for the duo. European Champions Portugal will hope to follow in the footsteps of France and Spain and hold both major international trophies at the same time this millennium and even with the uncertainty over the future of a number of stars, the Seleção have the players to hurt La Roja on Friday. 

After such an impressive showing for Sporting last season, Bruno Fernandes is perhaps the lynchpin in Fernando Santos’ XI. The Portugal boss has ample midfield options and while Cristiano Ronaldo is the star, Fernandes can capitalise on the Real Madrid man’s ability to pull players out of position. 

The midfielder is one of those looking to rescind their Sporting CP contract this summer and while interest in his signature was already high, as a free agent, that will only increase if he impresses in Russia. A WhoScored.com rating of 7.55 was one of the best in Liga NOS last season, with 11 goals and eight assists contributing to that fine return. 

He has a knack for popping up in the right place at the right time to score, particularly from distance. Of the 11 goals he scored, five were from outside of the box, reinforcing a statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of ‘long shots’, and this ability to crop up in the ideal position to hit the back of the net from distance is enough to worry any opponent.  

What's more, returns of 2.2 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game were both notable returns for Fernandes and he’ll look to carry his good club form into the World Cup this summer. In a difficult group to navigate, Ronaldo will hog the limelight, but Fernandes has what it takes to make a name for himself in Santos’ favoured 4-3-3 formation as Portugal look to add the World Cup to their trophy cabinet.