Roma v Porto: Three opposition players to watch

The Giallorossi came away with an all-important away goal in the first leg, managing to hold the draw after going down to ten men. Come Tuesday night, the Dragoes will be giving everything in their last attempt for qualification. Wayne Girard thinks these three players pose the greatest threat to Roma’s advancement…

Andre Silva

Signing a new contract last week with a 60 million euro release clause, Silva opened his account for the new season after scoring in last week’s win over Rio Ave and adding another in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Estoril Praia. Silva developed his skills at Porto B where he scored 24 goals in 84 matches before making the jump to the first team last season.

After Jose Peseiro was appointed manager for the remainder of last year, the centre forward was given more time, and repaid his then-coach’s faith by scoring a spectacular bicycle kick in the final of the Portuguese Cup.

His size, strength, and eye for goal give him the necessary tools to succeed at the top level, and he will be anxious to demonstrate these qualities on the biggest stage when Porto travel to Rome on Tuesday night.

Miguel Layun

The standout player in Saturday’s win, the Mexican international is the epitome of the modern fullback – possessing speed, stamina, and able to quickly turn defence into attack.

A CONCACAF Gold Cup winner last year, Layun has been a spark for Porto in his two appearances this season. At 28-years of age, he is one of Porto’s top overall players, bringing experience to the side along with top physical condition. Roma will have to be wary of his trademark play as he gets forward– cutting in sharply from the left side for a long-range shot with his right foot.

Ruben Neves

Still just 19-years-old, the defensive midfielder dominated the match against Estoril Praia on Saturday, winning four tackles and completing 85% of his passes. He made his debut for the first team at just 17-years-of-age, and twelve months later became the youngest player ever in Champions League history to wear the captain’s armband.

A deep-lying playmaker, Neves is most threatening on the counterattack, where his vision and passing ability can be deadly for opponents. His constant pressure in defence means he will allow little space for Roma to possess the ball in Porto’s half. Voted the Young Prospect of the Year in 2015 by the Portuguese Sport Confederation, the teenager will be full of confidence in his side’s chances to progress on Tuesday evening.