Tom Oldfield
Ricardo Carvalho must be one of the most under-rated footballers in the world at the moment. He and his Portugal team-mates have made a winning start to their Euro 2008 campaign and have a great opportunity to lift silverware in Austria and Switzerland. But do not expect to see Carvalho hitting the headlines.
However, while Cristiano Ronaldo attracts the most attention for the national team, Portugal’s excellent runs at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup were built on solid defensive efforts which allowed the attackers to express themselves. Carvalho was sensational in both tournaments, enhancing his reputation as one of the best defenders on the planet.
Rarely do strikers get the better of the Chelsea centre-back. Carvalho is comfortable as a man-marker or sweeping up behind his defensive colleagues while his pace and strength are complemented beautifully by his aerial prowess. Compatriot Jose Mourinho worked with him at Porto and was so impressed that he brought him to Stamford Bridge with him in 2004.
Playing alongside John Terry at Stamford Bridge has developed Carvalho’s game further and Terry would no doubt feel he has learnt plenty from the Portuguese. When the Blues skipper has been missing for large chunks of the last two seasons, Carvalho stepped up automatically to take on more defensive responsibilities. At times, it appeared that he was running the defence single-handedly as the team tried to keep up with Manchester United.
Yet his contributions were hardly ever praised. Pundits and supporters are so accustomed to his consistency that only a dip in form would be worthy of headlines. Perhaps this is due to his rugged appearance or the fact that his style of play is far from flashy. Whatever the reason, Carvalho does not care. He just goes about his business as effectively as always.
Having missed out on the Premiership and the Champions League, the central defender was understandably devastated by the Blues’ double failure. But, unlike Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, Carvalho had the chance to compete for Euro 2008 glory. His season was far from over.
Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opening group clash was far from easy. The Turks tested Carvalho and his fellow defenders but they could not break through, falling where so many attacks had done in the past. It was an ominous sign for the rest of the tournament.
Earlier that day, the Czech Republic had overcome Switzerland 1-0 but there was little on show in the contest to unduly worry the Portuguese players. Carvalho and his team-mates really ought to go on to top the group – maximum points are there for the taking. Then a potential quarter-final against Croatia would possibly await the Portuguese and again they would be expected to progress. Hopes are very high back home.
But the Chelsea man, who acknowledges that Ronaldo’s performances are vital for the team, will not be complacent. He knows that he has an important role to play within the Portuguese squad. Since the international retirements of iconic midfielder Luis Figo, along with striker Pauleta and anchorman Costinha, Carvalho has inherited greater responsibility on the pitch.
His brand of leadership might not be the most vocal but it is certainly valuable to his team. Carvalho brings a calm and experienced head to a relatively youthful back four. With Jorge Andrade still struggling with injury, Pepe of Real Madrid has stepped into the heart of the defence. Jose Bosingwa, who will join Carvalho at Stamford Bridge after the tournament, has begun Euro 2008 at right back.
Those players who are appearing in their first major international tournament need guidance and Carvalho is there to help to pass on his wisdom. He is now 30 years of age and has picked up plenty of know-how from big competitions.
In an interview with magazine Four Four Two prior to the tournament, the defender said: “If one of the younger guys needs a friendly word I’ll be there to help in any way necessary.”
Carvalho is driven by silverware and an international success is the only real omission from his collection. He has already collected all the medals in English domestic football to go along with a sweep of Portuguese club honours and the UEFA Cup and Champions League.
If he continues to marshal the Portugal defence with such a steady hand, he may not have to wait much longer for international glory.
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