Portugal’s Liga Zon Sagres has formed a reputation for being one of the best formative leagues in Europe. With a seemingly endless conveyer-belt of talent flowing out of the league, it is no wonder that so many young players choose Portugal over other countries. Players such as David Luiz, Fabio Coentrao, Di Maria, Joao Moutinho, Hulk, and Falcao (among others) have all spent their formative years in the Iberian country, only to make multi-million euro moves abroad to some of the finest teams in the world.

This season, there are many young Portuguese talents who will be hoping to emulate the likes of Coentrao and Joao Moutinho; with hopes to earn a big move abroad; with hopes to be noticed by Paulo Bento and be selected for the national team. Regardless, there is much hope, both for the players and the spectators. At the root of all of this is a single hope: that Portuguese football may grow.

In this segment, Portugal Football is highlighting 25 under-22 Portuguese players from across the Liga Zon Sagres. These players are certainly players to watch for. Some are already proven players, while some are yet to showcase their talents on the big stage. So, without further ado, the ones to watch.

Academica

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Anibal Capela	22	Center Defense	29

Belenenses

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Tiago Silva	20	Attacking Midfield	46

Benfica

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Andre Almeida	22	Midfield/Wingback	40

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Andre Gomes	20	Center Midfield	27

 

Braga

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Luis Silva	20	Center Midfield	44

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Rafa	20	Attacking Midfield	47

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Salvador Agra	21	Winger	23

Estoril

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Leandro	21	Forward	36

Gil Vicente

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Luis Martins	21	Left-Back	33

Maritimo

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Danilo Pereira	21	Defensive Midfield	31

Nacional

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Miguel Rodrigues	20	Center Defense	19

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Jota	20	Midfield	20

Olhanense

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Pele	21	Defensive Midfield	5

Pacos Ferreira

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Sergio Oliveira	21	Midfield	36

Porto

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Tiago Rodrigues	21	Midfield	42

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Ricardo	19	Winger	37

Rio Ave

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Luis Gustavo	20	Midfield	24

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Roderick Miranda	22	Center Defense	16

Sporting

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Tiago Ilori	20	Center Defense	32

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Cedric	21	Right-Back	25

Vitoria Guimaraes

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Paulo Oliveira	21	Center Defense	43

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Ricardo Gomes	21	Forward	31

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Cafu	20	Winger	23

Vitoria Setubal

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Ricardo Horta	18	Forward	16

NAME	AGE	POSITION	2012-2013 APPS
Miguel Lourenco	21	Center Defense	22