Hassan Chamas

 

He used to chant his father’s name while the latter was donning the SL Benfica shirt. However, little did Antonio Veloso realize that the roles would be reversed some years later, as the retired Portuguese international is now finding himself chanting his son’s name each time he and his team-mates grace the pitch.

Born on the 11th of May, 1986 in Coimbra, Portugal, young Miguel Veloso had one clear target in mind: Follow in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a football player. As such, he used to setup his own training ground every day after school, practicing his free-kick abilities while using the benches available in his neighbourhood park as defensive walls. Veloso wasn’t left all by himself in the wilderness, as his dad taught him how to use both legs after he found little Miguel somewhat of a very left-footed player.

Originally, Miguel Veloso started his playing career at SL Benfica, the club that made his father famous. But after being left out of the squad numerous times, frustration – along with depression – hurriedly caught up with the player as he found himself to be wasting his time at “The Eagles” and was swiftly lured to the famous Sporting Club de Portugal’s youth academy, one of the best schools in the world – alongside the likes of West Ham United and AFC Ajax – known for producing talent, with Luis Figo, Luis Boa Morte, Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Viana, Ricardo Quaresma, Cristiano Ronaldo, and most recently Nani all but a few names who passed their juvenile years at the Academia de Alcochete.

After graduating from Sporting’s youth academy in 2005, Veloso found first-team opportunities limited in a team that boasted the likes of Anderson Polga and Marco Caneira, and had to be loaned out to third-division outfit Olivais e Moscavide for the 2005-06 campaign in order to gain experience.

Veloso eventually helped in the promotion of his new team to Portugal’s second division league, the Liga Vitalis, and his performances had one meaning: he was coming back to Sporting to stay.

Back to Lisbon, Veloso was awarded the number 24 jersey ahead of the new campaign, a combination of his father’s number “2” back when he was playing, and “4” when Veloso was playing for The Lions’ youth team. A blend of impressive displays saw him cement his place in the team’s starting eleven, where he excelled at the position of defensive midfielder, and was even deployed on the left wing on a number of occasions.

One notable performance came when he was named ‘Man of the Match’ in a home game against Italian champions Inter Milan  a couple of seasons ago, where he managed to crucify Patrick Vieira and Luis Figo’s every attempt, and ultimately turning the crowd’s attention from the returning Figo to himself.

Valencia 08/09 Away SILVA    Liverpool 08/09 Footer With Hood

Valencia 08/09 away shirt SILVA                   Liverpool 08/09 footer with hood

At international level, Veloso was also impressive for the Under-21 national team in June 2007’s European Championship, and was even named captain of the team at one point. He made his debut for the senior squad against Azerbaijan on October 13th, 2007, and was part of the Portuguese traveling team that disputed Euro 2008. Even though he’s not currently getting enough playing minutes with Portugal, former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari nonetheless dubbed him as Petit’s heir when the 1. FC Köln enforcer decides to call it quits.

Since the time when he was promoted to the first team, along with Nani and Joao Moutinho, Miguel Veloso has impressed the Jose Alvalade faithful every time he stepped into the pitch. With Nani now at Manchester United and Moutinho named as Sporting captain, the spotlight is on Veloso to make his impact. While he may not possess the former’s vast array of tricks, nor the latter’s leadership qualities, Veloso has nonetheless that imposing presence in midfield. In a way, he is his team’s unsung hero, and his work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as big clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, and AC Milan are all reportedly on the trail of Lisbon’s latest lion.

  Miguel Veloso in a few lines:

– Full name: Miguel Luis Pinto Veloso.

– Date of birth: May 11, 1986 in Coimbra, Portugal.

– Clubs: Sporting Club de Portugal youth team: 2001-2005;
  Olivais e Moscavide (loan): 2005-06;
  Sporting Club de Portugal senior squad: 2006-present.

– Club honours (All with Sporting): Portuguese Cup (2006, 2007);
   Portuguese SuperCup (2007).

– International appearances: 7 caps, 0 goals.