Castro in foreground, Ukra in back
Olhanense starlets Ukra and Andre Castro have been told that they will be part of F.C. Porto’s main team for the 2010-2011 season, not be loaned out again. Ukra, who has recently been courted by Newcastle and Fulham, has enjoyed an absolutely spectacular season, along with fellow compatriot Andre Castro. These two players were the backbone of the team.
FC Porto has a number of promising young players that they loan out every season. They have created a flawless system: If a player begins to show promise at a young age, they buy him for cheap and loan him out to gain experience and grow as a player. When has shown his worth as a player, they can sell him for the big bucks, or recall him to the main team.
Prime examples:
Vieirinha at Porto
Playing at Saint Etienne
1. Vieirinha – was loaned by Porto to Greek outfit PAOK. He enjoyed so much success in that season, that he was sold to the Greek team. Last season, still playing for PAOK, he was voted “Most Valuable Player” by the fans.
2. Paulo Machado – The former Portugal U-21 international was loaned out to Saint-Etienne for the 2008-2009 season. He held down a starting spot and impressed enough to be sold by Porto to another French team, Toulouse, for the 2009-2010 season. He has since thrived at his new team.
Andre Castro and Ukra are prime examples of the flawlessness of Porto’s youth cycle. Being regulars on the Portugal U-21 team, I have no doubt that these two players will thrive at Porto. Expect to see them soon.
