João Neves is a young and talented Portuguese footballer who currently plays as a defensive midfielder for SL Benfica and the Portugal national team. Born on September 27, 2004, in Tavira, Portugal, Neves has already made a name for himself in the football world despite his young age. In this article, we will take a closer look at João Neves’ player profile and stats, including his early life and career, club and international career, playing style, and statistics and achievements.
Neves began his football journey in Benfica’s youth system, where he showed his potential and impressed during his time with the reserve side. He was instrumental in winning the UEFA Youth League in 2021-22, which helped him earn a place in the first team. Since then, Neves has been a key player for Benfica, playing a vital role in their domestic and international campaigns. He has also been called up to the Portugal national team, where he has shown his skills and potential.
Overall, João Neves is a promising player who has already achieved a lot at a young age. His impressive performances on the pitch have caught the attention of many football fans and experts, and he is expected to continue to grow and develop in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
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- João Neves is a young and talented Portuguese footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for SL Benfica and the Portugal national team.
- He began his football journey in Benfica’s youth system and has since become a key player for the club, helping them win the UEFA Youth League in 2021-22.
- Neves has also been called up to the Portugal national team, where he has shown his skills and potential.
João Neves Early Life and Career
Youth Development
João Neves was born on September 27, 2004, in Tavira, Portugal. He began his footballing journey at a young age, joining Benfica’s youth academy. Neves quickly made an impact in the youth teams, impressing coaches with his technical ability and tactical awareness.
During his time in the youth academy, Neves won several domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Youth League in the 2021-2022 season. He was a key player in the team, contributing with goals and assists and earning praise for his performances.
Professional Debut
Neves made his professional debut for Benfica on August 13, 2022, in a league match against Moreirense. He came on as a substitute in the second half and helped his team secure a 2-0 victory. Neves’ performance caught the eye of the coaching staff, and he was given more playing time in the following matches.
In his first season with the senior team, Neves played a total of 28 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He established himself as a key player in the midfield, showcasing his versatility and adaptability to different roles.
Overall, Neves’ early life and career have been marked by his dedication to the sport and his ability to excel at every level. With his talent and potential, he is poised to become one of the brightest prospects in Portuguese football.
João Neves Club Career
First Professional Contract
João Neves signed his first professional contract with SL Benfica on January 1, 2023, at the age of 18. The contract was set to expire on June 30, 2028. He joined the first team after impressing with Benfica’s reserve side, where he won the UEFA Youth League in 2021-22.
Notable Performances
Neves made his professional debut on August 12, 2023, in a 2-0 victory against Paços de Ferreira in the Primeira Liga. He played the full 90 minutes and was praised for his solid defensive performance. Neves continued to impress throughout the season, making 28 appearances in all competitions and helping Benfica win the Primeira Liga title.
Neves also made his debut in European competitions, playing in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League. He played a key role in Benfica’s run to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain.
Transfers and Loans
As of July 2024, João Neves remains a player of SL Benfica and has not been loaned out to any other club. However, due to his impressive performances, he has been linked with several top European clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich. It remains to be seen if he will stay at Benfica or seek a move to another club in the future.
João Neves International Career
National Team Debut
João Neves made his debut for the Portugal national team on March 23, 2023, in a friendly match against the Netherlands. He came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, replacing Bernardo Silva. Despite the 2-1 loss, Neves received positive reviews for his performance.
International Tournaments
Neves was selected to represent Portugal in the 2024 UEFA European Championship. He played an important role in Portugal’s journey to the semi-finals, starting in all five matches and contributing to the team’s defensive solidity. Although Portugal was eventually eliminated by Germany, Neves’ performances earned him praise from fans and pundits alike.
| Tournament | Team | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Euro 2024 | Portugal | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Neves’ performances for Portugal have been impressive, and he is expected to play a key role in the team’s future. With his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and defensive prowess, he has the potential to become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
João Neves Playing Style
Position and Role
João Neves primarily plays as a defensive midfielder for Benfica and the Portugal national team. He is known for his ability to read the game and intercept the opposition’s passes. He is also comfortable in possession and can distribute the ball effectively to his teammates. Neves is often tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the backline.
Strengths and Skills
Neves possesses excellent technical ability and has a good range of passing. He is also strong in the tackle and can win the ball back for his team. Neves is also adept at carrying the ball forward and driving his team up the field. His vision and awareness allow him to pick out his teammates with accurate passes.
Neves is also a good communicator on the pitch and is often seen directing his teammates. He has a good understanding of his role in the team and is disciplined in his positioning. He is a hard worker and is not afraid to put in a tackle or track back to help his team defensively.
Overall, João Neves is a well-rounded defensive midfielder who can contribute both defensively and offensively. His technical ability, vision, and awareness make him a valuable asset to any team.
João Neves Statistics and Achievements
Career Statistics
João Neves has been a key player for SL Benfica in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League. According to FBref.com, he has played in 33 matches and scored 3 goals in the 2023/2024 season of Liga NOS in Portugal. He has also made appearances in the UEFA Champions League, where he has helped his team reach the knockout stages.
Neves is known for his defensive skills, as he has made an average of 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in the Primeira Liga. He also has a pass success rate of 88.7%, showing his ability to distribute the ball effectively from the midfield.
Awards and Honors
Despite being only 19 years old, João Neves has already made a name for himself in Portuguese football. He was part of the SL Benfica team that won the Primeira Liga title in the 2022/2023 season. According to Transfermarkt.com, his market value is currently estimated at €55.00m.
Neves has also represented Portugal at the youth level, playing for the U19 and U21 teams. He was part of the Portugal U19 team that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022.
Overall, João Neves’ impressive performances on the field have earned him recognition and praise from fans and experts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the latest statistics for João Neves in the current season?
As of the current season, João Neves has played in 33 matches and scored 3 goals in Liga NOS in Portugal. He has also won a total of 22 tackles, which is the highest in the league. These statistics demonstrate his impressive performance on the field.
Which position does João Neves primarily play?
João Neves primarily plays as a defensive midfielder for Benfica and the Portugal national team. He has also played as a central midfielder on occasion.
Has João Neves been involved in any recent transfer deals?
There is no news of João Neves being involved in any recent transfer deals. He is currently playing for Benfica and is considered a valuable asset to the team.
How would you describe João Neves’ style of play on the field?
João Neves is known for his impressive defensive skills and his ability to win tackles. He is also a good passer and has a high work rate, making him an important player in both defense and attack. His style of play is characterized by his physicality, tactical intelligence, and technical ability.
What is João Neves’ height and how does it impact his performance?
João Neves is 6 feet tall (183 cm), which is considered a good height for a defensive midfielder. His height gives him an advantage in aerial duels and allows him to cover a lot of ground on the field. However, his performance is not solely dependent on his height, as he also possesses other important skills and attributes that make him a successful player.
Which clubs has João Neves played for, including any youth and senior teams?
João Neves has played for Benfica throughout his youth career and currently plays for the senior team. He has also represented the Portugal national team at the youth level.
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