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Porto's 4-1 demolition of Napoli was another reminder of what Gabri Veiga can do when he finds space between the lines. He provided the assist for Jan Bednarek's opening goal from a corner before scoring himself in the second half. Two different situations, but both showed his attacking instincts.
The numbers are becoming difficult to ignore. Veiga now has seven goals and five assists in 15 appearances this season. That's an impressive return for a midfielder, particularly when you consider how much he contributes beyond the final pass or finish.
What interests me most is his movement without the ball. His goal against Napoli came from a run into the space behind the defense, and that's where opponents can get themselves into trouble. Ask one defender to follow him everywhere and you risk dragging that player out of position. Suddenly, another Porto attacker has room to exploit.
I'd rather see the midfield track his movements and let defenders pass him between zones. That requires communication and discipline, though. Lose concentration for a second and Veiga can be on the other side of the defensive line before anyone realizes what's happening.
Porto have a midfielder who can hurt opponents from set pieces, create chances and arrive in dangerous scoring positions. That's a pretty unpleasant combination for opposing managers.
How would you defend against him? Would you assign one player to shadow Veiga for the entire game, or trust your midfield and defense to hand him over as he moves into different areas?
The numbers are becoming difficult to ignore. Veiga now has seven goals and five assists in 15 appearances this season. That's an impressive return for a midfielder, particularly when you consider how much he contributes beyond the final pass or finish.
What interests me most is his movement without the ball. His goal against Napoli came from a run into the space behind the defense, and that's where opponents can get themselves into trouble. Ask one defender to follow him everywhere and you risk dragging that player out of position. Suddenly, another Porto attacker has room to exploit.
I'd rather see the midfield track his movements and let defenders pass him between zones. That requires communication and discipline, though. Lose concentration for a second and Veiga can be on the other side of the defensive line before anyone realizes what's happening.
Porto have a midfielder who can hurt opponents from set pieces, create chances and arrive in dangerous scoring positions. That's a pretty unpleasant combination for opposing managers.
How would you defend against him? Would you assign one player to shadow Veiga for the entire game, or trust your midfield and defense to hand him over as he moves into different areas?
