Argentina: Porto’s Own Personal Portuguese Liga

By: Greg | May 28th, 2008

It’s been discussed ad nauseam that Portugal is, in many respects, a feeder league for much larger clubs from countries such as Spain, Italy, and England. On the other hand, in order to remain competitive both domestically and on the European stage, who can Portuguese teams consider their feeder league? Essentially, who is to Portuguese teams (such as Porto) what Portuguese teams are to the even bigger squads?

While other mid-level European leagues enjoy poaching from Eastern Europe and primarily Brazil, it seems that Porto have decided to make Argentina their feeder country. And it’s working like a charm.

Consider Porto’s end of campaign from this past season’s obliteration of all domestic competition. Here’s a breakdown by nationality: 10 Portuguese, 5 Argentinians, 5 Brazilians, and four other countries tied with one a piece.

Now, sell Bosingwa but add Rolando from Belenenses to keep the Portuguese total at 10. You may even wish to assume Ricky Quaresma’s 85% out the door, but it’s not necessary in this case. Throw in the two new Argentinians recently purchased: Tomás Costa a midfielder from Rosario Central, and Nelson Benitez a left back from Lanus (which I can’t help but pronounce “le anus”). What’s the total as of right now then? 10 Portuguese, 7 Argentinians, 5 Brazilians, and a parrrrrrtridge in a pear tree. You could actually take it one step further and say 13 South Americans, 10 Portuguese, and 3 other countries.

This would appear to be nothing more than stupid conjecture if the players simply came in and held Quaresma’s jock. They don’t. Lisandro Lopez blew the doors off the league scoring title this past year with 24 goals. One of their tri-captains is Lucho Gonzalez. Ernesto Farias and Mario Bolatti played in fourteen matches each, with Farias netting 5 goals from up front. Mariano Gonzalez (while on loan from Palermo) featured in nineteen matches for the Porto midfield.

Each of Porto’s Argentinians were vital cogs in the machine that was the team’s third consecutive title run. Considering how the Starting XI at this rate will be predominately South American, it’s quite interesting to stop and think: When we’re whining about having all of our talent poached away, who are we then turning around and poaching from?