Top 10 best players in Liga Portugal 2023-24: Ranked

Published at :March 2, 2024 at 12:02 AM

Modified at :March 2, 2024 at 12:02 AM

Liga Portugal has a perfect blend of young and experienced players showing up every week

Liga Portugal has a track record of nurturing exceptional talents who go on to achieve success at both the club and international levels. The league serves as a launching pad for promising players, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills before making moves to top European clubs. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Eusebio all began their journeys in the Portuguese league.

While the spotlight often falls on the traditional giants of European football, the Portuguese Liga quietly cultivates a thriving ecosystem of talent. Beyond the familiar names of Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and Porto, a dynamic cast of individuals are weaving their magic on the pitch, captivating local audiences and attracting attention from across the globe.

Here’s a deep dive into 10 exceptional players who are currently illuminating the Portuguese landscape:

10. Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)

The 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back displays a robust and composed style of play while showcasing proficiency in ball control. His strength is evident in defensive situations, contributing to his ability to form a dependable partnership with the aforementioned Ousmane Diomande. Together, they create a formidable and cohesive defensive duo, ensuring stability and effectiveness in the team’s backline. He has been on the radar of many clubs including Barcelona and Liverpool.

9. Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP)

Ousmane Diomande, the 20-year-old centre-back for Sporting CP and the Ivory Coast national team, is quickly attracting attention with his impressive performances on the pitch. While still young, he’s already making a name for himself with his composure, intelligence, defensive abilities, and the ability to play out from the back and drive the team forward. The young defender is now an AFCON champion after winning the title this year with Ivory Coast.

8. Antonio Silva (S.L. Benfica)

Another teenager making waves is Antonio Silva, a 20-year-old centre-back who exudes calmness and leadership at the back for Benfica. His reading of the game is outstanding, anticipating threats and snuffing out attacks before they materialize. Silva is not just a promising defender; he’s already a vital part of Benfica’s backline, destined for bigger things.

7. Nicolas Otamendi (S.L. Benfica)

Nicolas Otamendi, the tenacious and seasoned Argentine defender, is synonymous with tenacity, captaincy, and steadfast dedication. From his initial days in Buenos Aires to his tenure at Benfica, his journey has been marked by a distinguished career, reaching its pinnacle with the ultimate achievement – hoisting the World Cup trophy with Argentina in 2022. After his successful stint at Manchester City, he is now leading the team with his experience at the back.

6. David Neres (S.L. Benfica)

David Neres, the 26-year-old Brazilian winger, has carved a unique path through the world of football. From his explosive rise at Sao Paulo to his current spell at Benfica, his journey has been one of immense talent, dazzling skill, and moments of uncertainty. He is known for his confident personality and flamboyant style of play.

5. Rafa Silva (S.L. Benfica)

Rafa Silva isn’t merely a name; it encapsulates versatility, creativity, and steadfast commitment to the field. Trace his path from the early days in Lisbon to his present role as Benfica’s midfield maestro, and you witness a journey defined by dedication, adaptability, and an enduring passion for the beautiful game. His longevity in the league is remarkable, he has been involved in 18 goal contributions in 21 games this season – a feat which he has only achieved twice in his career.

4. Angel Di Maria (S.L. Benfica)

An agile Argentine winger, known for his exceptional both-footed skills, rapid pace, and dribbling abilities, has reached the age of 36 seemingly in the blink of an eye. It feels like just yesterday when he was a 22-year-old sensation starting his Real Madrid journey after a transfer from SL Benfica in Liga Portugal. Time has swiftly passed, but his consistent performances and unwavering drive to excel, particularly on the grandest stages, remain constant throughout the years.

He Secured the decisive goal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Final versus Nigeria, replicated the feat with another iconic winner in the 2021 Copa America Final against Brazil, and notched a memorable goal in the 2022 Finnalisma against Italy. He also achieved legendary status by scoring a historic goal in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Final against France, he earned the Man of the Match title in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

3. Diogo Costa (FC Porto)

Guarding the goalposts for Porto is Diogo Costa, a 24-year-old goalkeeper who has firmly established himself as Portugal’s unquestionable No.2. His lightning-fast reflexes showcase acrobatic saves, leaving fans in awe. Costa not only commands his area with authority, organizing the defense and communicating effectively but also excels in ball distribution. Initiating attacks with precise throws, he propels his team forward. With his agility, composed demeanour, and emerging leadership, Costa is primed to assume the role of Portugal’s top goalkeeper in the future.

2. Joao Neves (S.L. Benfica)

At a mere 19 years old, João Neves is more than a promising talent; he is a pivotal force in Benfica’s midfield machinery. Despite his youth, his ball composure and passing precision evoke the skills of a seasoned player. Neves not only sets the game’s tempo but also orchestrates attacks with a maturity that belies his age. His strategic acumen enables him to anticipate opponents’ movements, executing precise interceptions to disrupt plays. As his leadership qualities continue to flourish, Neves isn’t merely a young sensation; he has become a cornerstone for Benfica and a potential future midfield stalwart for Portugal.

1. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)

Viktor Gyokeres, agile and swift on the turn, boasts both power and speed as he navigates the field with the ball at his feet, posing a constant threat in front of the goal. His robust build enables him to secure possession effectively under pressure and offer the team’s defenders relief with adept clearances. As a dynamic and physically strong forward, Gyokeres stands out for his remarkable pace, enduring stamina, and clinical finishing. Additionally, he surprises opponents with spontaneous technical displays, skillfully manipulating the ball in tight spaces and improvising when necessary. He is currently the leading goalscorer in Liga Portugal with 17 goals this season.

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