[球員] Sunny vista for Miguel Veloso
http://www.uefa.com/magazine/news/kind=33554432/newsid=554420.html
Sunny vista for Miguel Veloso
Friday 22 June 2007
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It seems an unwritten rule of football that, step off the production line at
the Sporting Clube de Portugal academy, and you are immediately whisked away
on a fast-track to the top. Miguel Veloso's ascent might have been less
startling than that of fellow graduates Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo but, on
recent evidence, the only way is up for the defensive midfielder. A player
who started the season aiming for first-team football with Sporting has ended
it a star performer for his country at the UEFA European Under-21
Championship in the Netherlands.
Learning curve
Strange to think then that his career path wasn't always so steep. Indeed, it
lurched to such an extent that he stopped off, in summer 2005, at Portuguese
third-division side Clube Desportivo dos Olivais e Moscavide. Looking back
now, he is grateful he did. "If you had told me 12 months ago that I would be
where I am now ... incredible. But I went through a major experience in my
life when I went on loan to Olivais e Moscavide," the 21-year-old told
uefa.com. "I learned a lot as a player and as a man. It was a huge step
forward for me. I really developed there and it helped me get where I am
today."
Chance taken
If Olivais e Moscavide got a box of delights from the Sporting conveyor belt,
Miguel Veloso collected a divisional championship medal for his season's
efforts with the Lisbon-based side. When he returned to the Jose Alvalade,
he joined a squad under the tutelage of his youth-team coach Paulo Bento. The
latter had taken charge in October 2005 and revived Sporting's fortunes to
the point where they finished second in the Liga to qualify for the UEFA
Champions League. The stage was set for Miguel Veloso's second coming. He
didn't disappoint. "The last year has been a real step up for me," he said.
"When I arrived back at Sporting I knew I had to flight for a place in the
team as there were many more established players in the dressing room. When
the coach gave me a chance, I tried to do my best and things turned out well
for me. I managed to keep a high standard and things have just got better. I
hope it will carry on like this."
Mr Versatile
Miguel Veloso made 22 appearances as Sporting again took runners-up spot in
2006/07. He featured five times in their UEFA Champions League group-stage
campaign, and sealed a memorable season by providing the assist for Liedson's
solitary strike in the Portuguese Cup final against CF Os Belensenses. From
that Alpine height to the Low Countries, and another reputation-enhancing
experience. Despite his billing as an anchor man who is also capable of
playing in central defence, Portugal's No4 upped his sphere of operations in
the Netherlands. From a holding role, the left-footer unleashed a devastating
free-kick against the hosts before rounding off the group matches by scoring
direct from another set-piece versus Israel. The second of those goals helped
win him a Man of the Match award. "Tournaments like the U21 championship are
very important for any player," he said. "The whole team, myself included,
all wanted to give a good showing and also to help Portugal do well. We were
unable to achieve our goal of reaching the semi-finals but now we have to
look forward, not back."
Bouncing back
Defeat in Thursday's play-off against Italy for Olympic Games qualification
should not have dented too deeply the morale of an athlete whose blond
pony-tail and pop-star looks belie a tough physique. Steel complements the
silk. There will be other tournaments for Miguel Veloso, who captained
Portugal to victory at the UEFA European U17 Championship of 2003. UEFA's
premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League, awaits once more in the
autumn. "To be able to take part in that event is a major thing for me," he
said. "I remember watching the Champions League on television and seeing the
world's top players. I am desperate to do my best for my team and for
Sporting as a club. I am living a dream."
Family touch
The sporting academy continues to yield a rich crop, yet the personal touch
that is benefiting Miguel Veloso suggests this is no factory farm. His mentor
Paulo Bento was even a team-mate of his father, ex-Portugal defender Antonio
Veloso, across the city at SL Benfica. "Paulo Bento has been a big influence
on me and on my career. He coached me in the juniors and is now my head
coach. He has always counted on me and the only way I have of thanking him is
to work hard on the pitch and give everything to the cause." The signs are
this exciting talent has plenty more to give.
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and... Miguel Veloso's profile
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/players/player=70090/index.html
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