Goalkeeper, Rui Patricio – Capped over 100 times for his country, Patricio was part of the Portuguese ‘take-over’ of Wolves from the mid-2010s. Something of an ‘old school’ keeper, the 6’3” Portuguese was no wannabe outfielder, but was instead an acrobatic shot stopper with great reflexes, who was also strong in one-on-ones with attackers. Wolves finished comfortably in mid-table in each of his three seasons at the club, a tribute both to his goalkeeping skills and to the confidence he gave to his team’s defence.
Left-back, Joao Cancelo – A natural right back, Cancelo played his best football for Man City when switched to left back during the 2020/1 and 2021/22 title-winning seasons. A pioneer of the ‘inverted’ full-back role, he routinely drifted into central midfield to help his team build their attacks and create space for his left-sided midfielders. Holds the unusual distinction (with only two others) of winning two league titles in two different countries in the same season.
Right-back, Paulo Ferreira – Brought to Chelsea by his former manager at Porto, Jose Mourinho, Ferreira won 10 major titles whilst at the club. A defender’s defender, Ferreira was supremely consistent, described by Mourinho as never dropping below a seven or eight out of 10. He was also a great team man, accepting squad rotation with grace, and also stepping up to the mark when called upon.
Centre-back, Ruben Dias – Ruben Dias been the cornerstone of the Man City defence since he arrived at the club in 2020. Dias has Bobby Moore-like reading of game enabling him to intercept or block passing lanes, but is also strong in the tackle when needed. His comfort on the ball and accurate, incisive passing from either foot means he can easily turn defence into attack. A natural leader and organiser of the defence, Dias has led both club and country to great success.
Centre-back, Ricardo Carvalho – Carvalho came to Chelsea in 2004 having won the Champions League with Porto and been named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2004 Euros. At Chelsea he formed an impassable partnership with John Terry that contributed to three PL titles (and five other major trophies) as well as the best defensive season in PL history – in 2004/5 when the team conceded only 15 goals in 38 matches. A hugely ‘intelligent’ footballer, Carvalho knew what the opposition were going to do before they did, and on the rare occasions when he did get it wrong, his short-burst pace allowed him to make up space or position. Not averse to the ‘dark arts’, Carvalho was strong and cynical when required. The definition of the smart centre-half.
Defensive midfield, Ruben Neves – A deep-lying playmaker and setter of tempo, Neves was another Porto player recruited to play in England by a Portuguese manager, in this case Nuno Espirito Santo. After helping Wolves regain a place in the PL, he helped keep them there for their longest run in recent years. Always demanding the ball in midfield, his trademark was the long searching pass to find a forward runner in space. Also capable of scoring from long-range shots and free kicks, he should add another goalscoring threat to this team.
Attacking midfield, Bruno Fernandes – In a period when their team has not always (or indeed often) performed well, Bruno Fernandes has stood out as a beacon of quality and consistency for Manchester United. A player who always looks to make things happen, his pass completion stats can look poor, but he creates more chances than most, notably in 2025/26 when he broke the PL record for assists. He brings energy and passion to the side, leading by example in the high press and constantly harrying opposition midfielders. A reliable penalty-taker he also brings a goal-scoring threat both from outside the box and with his late runs into the six-yard area.
Attacking midfield, Bernardo Silva – When he retired from Man City in May 2026 Bernardo Silva had the most career appearances for a Portuguese player in the Premier League. Silva combines world-class technical ability with an incredible work rate. He adds value all over the pitch – creating goal-scoring chances with his superb close control and uncanny ability to find his strikers in space, and supporting his defence with his relentless running. Silva was almost an ever-present under the most demanding of managers (Pep Guardiola), a tribute to his skill, versatility and contribution to the team.
Defensive midfield, Joao Palhinha – With something of a lack of size and strength elsewhere in this selection, we need a big, strong midfielder and Palhinha is that man. Palhinha simply loves to tackle, and in his three seasons in the PL he always came near or at the top of the division’s tackle count. He also scored highly on interceptions and heading duels won. His high-intensity, aggressive approach could lead to trouble – he racked up an alarming 36 yellow cards (although remarkably no reds) in only 101 games – but as a defensive disruptor few were better.
Centre forward, Diogo Jota – When his life was tragically cut short at the age of only 28, it was clear that Diogo Jota was held in tremendously high regard by everyone whose path he had crossed. A versatile forward who could play across the front-line, he had an uncanny ability to read space, often appearing in the box at just the right time and in the right place to convert a chance. He had a strong shot off both feet and, despite being only 5’10” was a great header of the ball. He was also supremely hard-working, an integral part of the high press much loved by Jurgen Klopp, but also appearing deep in his own half to stem opposition attacks. By all accounts a nice guy and great team mate, his death was a genuine human tragedy.
Centre forward, Cristiano Ronaldo – Still going strong at 41 and approaching an extraordinary total of 1,000 first class goals, Ronaldo is one of the all-time greats of world football history. He came to the Premier League as a promising teenager and left as one of the best players in the world, still only 24. There’s not a lot you can say about him that hasn’t already been said, but he really has everything as a forward – technical skill, pace, strength, a phenomenal shot, incredible heading ability, and perhaps above all incredible belief in himself. Most admirably, it’s clear that despite his natural gifts he has worked incredibly hard to have what he has, still fit, strong and good enough to play for in the World Cup, his sixth, at 41. An undisputed GOAT.
Unlucky not to make the team
Whilst there has not perhaps been the depth of Portuguese talent in the Premier League as, say France or Spain, you could nevertheless make a decent team out of those who did not make our starting XI.
Goalkeeper – Jose Sa
Defenders – LB Diogo Dalot (filling in), CB Jose Fonte, CB Toti Gomes, RB Jose Bosingwa
Midfield – Joao Moutinho, Deco, Mateus Fernandes, Nani
Attack – Luis Boa Morte, Pedro Neto
And some of the worst Portuguese to play in the Premier League
- Bebe – Sir Alex Ferguson broke his own rule when signing Bebe on a recommendation (from Carlos Queiroz) without having seen him play. It could have been a real good news story for someone who had been abandoned as a boy and had lived in a homeless shelter. Sadly, though, he looked a fish out of water at United and played only two league games before being loaned out then released.
- Helder Postiga – Signed as a 20-year-old by Spurs, Postiga completely failed to adapt to the physicality of English football, and saw out only one year of his five-year contract before being returned to Porto. He did turnout to be a pretty decent player, only not in England.
- Hugo Viana – The most expensive teenager in Britain when he came to Newcastle, Viana was not strong enough to warrant his favoured position in centre midfield, and found himself shunted out to the left wing. He never cemented a place in the team. He’s had more success in the PL since retiring, as Director of Football at Man City.
- Renato Sanches – Another player, like Bebe, who grew up in straightened circumstances, Sanches was a prodigy signed at 18 by Bayern Munich for a huge fee. He lost confidence badly at Bayern so was loaned to Swansea to get more game time. Things did not improve much in South Wales, the low point being a pass to the advertising hoardings which he apparently mistook for a teammate.