Football Season Guide

Estoril had a terrific season in 2020-21, clinching their return to top flight in style. Estoril finished first with some margin and played a very attractive football. Coach Bruno Pinheiro will try to bring that quality and efficiency for the country's top stage, which should obviously be a hard challenge. 'Canarinhos' are expected to lineup on a 433 formation. Dani Figueira will be the man for the goal. The former Guimarães youth product is a hot prospect for the future but already a safe asset for Canarinhos. Thiago Rodrigues is a safe backup. There's is a clear need to improve defence. Lucas Áfrico and David Bruno are decent signings and may be pushing for a starting position, but there's too little options for the CB position after the departure of Basto and Gomes. Joãozinho and Coly will guarantee top quality on the left side. Francisco Geraldes is a big name signing for Estoril, but he will have to work hard to become the reference in midfield, as João Gamboa and Miguel Crespo are coming from an excellent season in Segunda Liga. The attack is also a worry, since all three starters from last season, Aziz, Vidigal and Harramiz left, and the recent sensation Chiquinho is about to leave. Leonardo Ruiz is the big hope, but he is yet to prove his talent in a big league. It's likely that Estoril will still try to bring in a couple of forwards.