The Benfica striker has been given a chance by Paulo Bento to impress and perhaps even secure a lucrative Euro 2012 berth.
Nelson Oliveira, who plays for Portuguese Primeira Liga giants Benfica, has earned a surprise call up to the Seleccao.
The 20-year-old has had a breakout season with the Eagles and has begun to make an impact at Estadio da Luz after plying his trade on loan Rio Ave and Pacos de http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ferreira-c13712 previously.
Although there are a number of forwards at the helm, manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus took a gamble with the youngster and it has paid off, with Oliveira scoring 2 goals in 9 appearances for the Reds.
Having played with the National team at various youth levels, he has already proved his attacking prowess especially with the U-20 and U-19 setups.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento has a plethora of options to choose from up-front, but has called-up the starlet, as he feels that he brings something different to pitch.
Speaking to reporters, the tactician explained his decision and revealed that while the front-man was not a regular for the Lisbon giants, he had played in several League Cup ties and thus had garnered enough match experience to be rewarded with a call-up.
"We think he is a player with a huge potential and quality who, despite not having played many minutes in the league in recent times, has been playing in the League Cup."
He also added that the player’s traits were quite different from the current attackers, which would be beneficial for the Navigators.
"His characteristics are different from those of the other strikers who have been playing for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hugo-Almeida-c16386 and Helder Postiga.”
Lastly, the trainer added that the call-up would allow him to have a better look at Oliveira, as this was the last friendly before the commencement of the European championships.
"Considering this is the last match before the final list is announced, we have here an opportunity to know him better,” http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paulo-c29431 Bento was quoted as saying.
Nelson Oliveira now faces a tough battle in order to break into the Portuguese National team, but he will be able to do so if he can churn out a positive display on his International debut.
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