What a turnaround we’ve witnessed at Stamford Bridge. At this time last year, the Blues were not even in the top half and look at them now! Under Antonio Conte, the Blues are back to where they belong i.e. at the top of the table after 12 gameweeks. The Londoners side are playing with confidence now and if they keep up the good work, the Premier League title could land in West London.
Reports claim that a host of top clubs will have their representatives at Estádio José Alvalade on Tuesday to watch Sporting winger Gelson Martins in action against Real Madrid and Chelsea scouts will be accompanied by both Manchester clubs along with Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the gallery.
Martins is already a key player within Sporting Lisbon’s ranks having made 16 appearances so far this season in all competitions. The winger has also appeared on the international stage on two occasions this term after featuring against the Faroe Islands and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers for Portugal.
Sporting CP have produced some of the biggest talents in world football over the years, Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo being the two biggest ones. The 21-year-old is tipped to be the ‘next Luis Figo’ in his native Portugal and that is why the interest he is attracting is not at all surprising.
The Portuguese international has been in impressive form since the start of the season, scoring 2 goals and providing 7 assists in 10 Liga NOS games for the Lions so far. Martins is a versatile player who offers his best if deployed on the right flank but can also ply his trade as a number ten or on the left flank.
Unlike most modern day wingers, the Portuguese starlet has a good crossing ability and knows exactly when to release the crosses. Seven assists from 10 games is extremely impressive. The tactical wisdom the 21-year-old possesses is brilliant for his age and the youngster can go a long way if he gets the right guidance.
In Conte’s 3-4-3 system, Martins will fit in very well in the right forward role where Pedro is doing well of late. In fact, thanks to his excellent defensive discipline, he can also slot in the right-back role. Still only 21, the Portuguese wonderkid has his best days well ahead of him. If Chelsea can pull this deal off, it could be one hell of a move.
