Euro 2008 Player Profile: Deco

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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