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Euro 2008 Player Profile: Deco
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Name: Deco
Team: Portugal
Group: A; Switzerland, Czech Republic, Turkey
Caps (Goals): 51 (3) – as of May 12, 2008
DOB: August 27, 1977 (30 years old)
Position: Attacking mid
Club Team: Barcelona
Is it just me… or does Deco not quite get the credit he deserves? The magic little midfielder has won the Champions League with two different clubs: 2004 with Porto, 2006 with Barca. He was also UEFA’s official “Best Midfielder” for those two seasons. But he’s been somewhat overshadowed at Camp Nou by the superstar status of Ronaldinho, Messi, Henry and Eto’o, even though he’s arguably just as gifted as those four.
And this summer he’ll likely be overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo as the star of Portugal’s Euro 2008 team. But there’s still no doubt about how influential and effective Deco can and likely will be in Swissautria. The little fella can dribble, can hit a long range pass (especially good with smart crossfield balls) and can strike a free kick.
Here are a few highlights, mostly from Deco’s time at Porto:
It’s like he’s Brazilian.
Oh wait, he is. Deco – or Ánderson Luís de Souza if you prefer – was born in the state of São Paulo to Brazilian parents, but moved to Portugal with Benfica in 1997. Like all good players, Graeme Souness didn’t rate him. So Deco was sent packing to S.C. Salgueiros, where Deco impressed enough to get a move to Porto and some coaching from Jose Mourinho. The rest is history.
But despite all Deco’s success in the Portuguese league, international recognition from the yellow Seleção failed to follow. So with six years residence providing a path to citizenship, Deco changed nationality took and a place in the Selecção das Quinas. There was apparently a bit of debate in Portugal at the time, but – brilliantly – Deco’s Portugal debut came in 2003 against Brazil. He only played eight minutes, but introduced himself by scoring a free kick in Portugal’s 2-1 win.
Deco got all the way to the final in his first shot at the Euros in 2004, and could easily go one better this time. If he does, then I hope Graeme Souness is watching.
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Greame Souness really doesn’t have a clue does he?
The only problem with Deco is that he picks up yellow cards for a pastime. But when he’s on, he’s so brilliantly creative, a massive assest to Portugal.
Posted from 
United Kingdom
Deco, although gifted, is also one of those Europeans who feels it necessary to go up to the referee brandishing an invisible card, asking the ref to book or send an opposing player off.
It’s dirty.
Posted from 
United States
And why does it say I’m in the US? I’m in England.
Posted from United States
Hey People Deco’s just great with his stuff of football. Just enjoy him people and leave the rest to him. If you don’t you won’t enjoy.
Posted from 
United Arab Emirates
Hey Hey Hey!! tonights Euro2008. Just get hit by it. (Well you’ll are lucky people. I won’t be able to watch even a match since I would be working) Well, Enjoy.
Posted from United Arab Emirates
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I loooooove Deco! Good choice for a player profile, Daryl! His passing is unbelievable, he can make great plays happen, and he’s got lots of experience under his tiny belt between club and national team. Lately he and the rest of the blaugrana haven’t had much luck on the pitch, but I still believe in him. I have a #20 Deco (Portugal) jersey and will probably be wearing it for the rest of the summer once Euro starts.
P.S. I’m still pissed that Shevchenko beat him for the Ballon d’Or