It is no secret in world football that Porto is one of the best producers of world class talented footballers. Their recent big name exports to larger European clubs have wielded huge transfer fees that have boosted the club. There have been many high profile names that have left the club and gone on to perform at the highest levels and a few to name include: Radamal Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho, Hulk, Pepe, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Freddy Guarin. Over the last decade, the club had made over half a billion euros worth of profit from players they have sold but have maintained their dominance of the Portuguese League, winning the league for the last four consecutive seasons.
However, their current crop of young stars are some of the most promising Porto players I have seen for a long time. In recent years Porto have had one or two stand out players, but currently there are several players that regularly perform well and have a number of top clubs sniffing around them. Their two first choice full backs Danilo and Alex Sandro offer typical Brazilian attacking flair from out wide, getting down the flanks to help support the attack. Both at the age of 22 they are linked to a number of top clubs and are two of the most promising full backs in Europe. Danilo, a former midfielder turned fullback, is comfortable on the ball and even chips in with goals, scoring twice in fourteen appearances this season. Alex Sandro like Danilo is not short for pace and his 6ft stature means he is not easy to knock off the ball.
The exciting prospects they have at centre back include Elaquim Mangala and Diego Reyes, with the former already subject of intense interest from Manchester City with a rumoured 40 million bid already being mentioned by some tabloids. Mangala is often first choice centre back with Otamendi, meaning it is hard for Reyes to get game time. However, Reyes's talent is unquestionable, performing at the Olympics his calm approach and ability in the air was key to Mexico's gold medal win. At 21 and able to play in defensive midfield Reyes has the potential to be a top class centre back and with the attention from top clubs both Otamendi and Mangala are receiving he could well be thrust into becoming one of Porto's first choice centre backs in the near future. Mangala is one of the most sought after young stars currently in Europe but has himself admitted he is in no rush to leave Estadio do Dragao. Strong and quick, the Frenchman is a natural brute. Mangala stands at 6ft 2 and his a stocky player but also combines his powerful physique with pace and at just 22 it will not be long before he may have to consider leaving Portugal.
In the number 10 role in midfield Porto have an absolute gem in Jose Quintero. The young Columbian was a recent acquisition but already have the Porto faithful drooling over his early performances. A player making headlines for his clever footballing brain, he is fluid and provides delightful weighted passes for the Porto attackers, unlocking defences and dictating the play. Lucky enough to have watched him play live at the Emirates Cup, I paid close attention to him and his movement off the ball is just as good off of it. He ran the show in Porto's second Emirates cup game and was in my opinion the stand out player of the match. Since then he has featured nine times and scored twice. Although early in his Porto career, there is much hype surrounding the 20 year old and if he can live up to what he has already shown he will become the focus of many top clubs.
Currently not in the Porto squad and out on loan at Hellas Verona in Italy, Juan Iturbe is a player Porto know has some serious potential. Quick, tricky and with a bullet long shot, Juan Iturbe like many young Argentine's has often been dubbed the "New Messi." Although a tag unlikely to live up to, Juan Iturbe could well be a huge star in the future and his performances in Italy are certainly turning a few heads. Played 14 times in Italy this season, the attacking winger has scored 5 times and added an assist. It is clear to see why Porto wanted to send such a talented youngster out on loan to gain vital match experience, but if he continues to perform in Italy he may be a player that does not return to Portugal.
By the looks of the youth talent Porto have at the moment and if they continue tradition in buying promising players and selling them for huge profits, they could currently be sitting on a gold mine of talent and it will not be long before they are forced to cash in.
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