Portugal is a strong contender to win Euro 2020 this summer.
While the Selecao's victory at the European Championships five years ago may have come as a shock, the Selecao retaining their continental title in 2020 would come as no surprise.
Furthermore, it is widely acknowledged that the current crop of Portuguese talent is superior than the group that overcame France at the Stade de France thanks to Eder's memorable victory.
Portugal's aspirations for Euro 2020
Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Jota, and Renato Sanches are all in terrific shape heading into Euro 2020, and that's before we even get to Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, because they now have a certain Bruno Fernandes at their disposal, the most significant area in which Portugal has improved since Euro 2016 has been in attacking midfield.
When Portugal swept the continent in 2016, the Manchester United general was between spells at Udinese and Sampdoria, and he wouldn't make his international debut until the following year.
Portugal and Fernandes
But fast forward to 2020, and there's a quiet understanding that, in order for Portugal to retain their European champion status, Fernandes will have to play his finest football.
Fernandes has been a revelation for United fans during the 2020/21 season, but the 26-year-old has struggled to create the same impact on the international stage.
So we reasoned. With Euro 2020 less than 48 hours away, Portugal played Israel in their final warm-up game on Wednesday night, and Fernandes put up a masterful performance in midfield.
Individual achievements of Fernandes
In a convincing 4-0 victory, Fernandes reminded the world of the brilliance he can bring to Euro 2020 by scoring two wonderful goals and putting on an assist for Ronaldo.
Individual highlights have surfaced in the aftermath of such a tremendous performance, with Twitter users @ClipsMu and @CompsMU stitching together Fernandes' best pieces.
It will have been worth your time and effort even if you only watch the montages for Fernandes' second goal's absolute magnificence.
Fernandes is ready to dominate Euro 2020.
While Israel is far from the most powerful opponent, Fernandes' bravado provided the confirmation we've been looking for for a long time that he can thrive under Fernando Santos' system.
Balancing the likes of Fernandes and Bernardo Silva at the top end of Portugal's midfield has been challenging at times, but there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.
Sure, Silva is a world-class player, but after Fernandes' incredible season, you'll understand why we think getting the most out of the United star is more vital to Portugal's hopes.
And if he can repeat the kind of performances that saw him beat Israel at Euro 2020, don't be surprised if he helps Portugal return to the European summit.
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