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Ricardo Velho: The Best Goalkeeper in Portugal?

November 20, 2024
Player Analysis, Primeira Liga Analysis

Ricardo Velho may have old in his name, but he is breaking new barriers as a traditional shot-stopper. 33 is just his shirt number. He’s not thirty, but he has been considered as ‘third-choice’ by Roberto Martinez – Velho merited a call-up for the Portugal National Team in October while playing outside Europe’s top five leagues, and Portugal’s traditional ‘Big 3’ of SL Benfica, Sporting CP and FC Porto. A rarity. Faro’s saviour is number one in the south of Portugal.

 

 

Ricardo Velho has found stability in the instability of the Farense defence. Humble beginnings with EF Fernando Pires rapidly became short passages through modern day UEFA Conference League dominators Vitória SC, FC Porto, who need no introduction, and local outfits Salgueiros and Trofense by the age of 13.

 

His father would leave Ricardo at Porto’s Olival facilities and simultaneously, brother João to Salgueiros. The underpinning dedication and sacrifice passed through generations that would compensate for any of Ricardo’s shortcomings in the near future.

 

From improvised chicken dinners on the road, to two brothers and one relentless father on one motorbike to ensure prompt arrivals at matches and training sessions, this is an inspiring, unique overcoming and affirmation story. Before Sporting Clube de Farense came Sporting Clube de Braga, and Velho’s physical stature would limit his early development due to being leaner and shorter than his youthful counterparts. The opportunities would be scarce up north, and initially down the south coast too, with zero appearances in his debut season.

 

Rafael Defendi (Liga Portugal’s equivalent to prime Barclaysmen), Beto Pimparell (ex-Sevilla) and Hugo Marques (Angolan international) would lead Velho’s path to follow as experienced figures to emulate. Velho evolved mentally and technically and would eventually claim more and more minutes in the following seasons. Consistently in the relegation zone for xG conceded and shots conceded, Velho is noble in his attempts to limit the damage.

 

 

Facing 5.56 Shots on Target per 90 Minutes (as per fbref.com) and saving 4 shots per match? Elite numbers. However, these numbers are inflated by quantity, not guaranteeing quality.

 

Ricardo Velho is known for quick instincts and reflexes, delaying the inevitable and attempting the impossible. Old-fashioned, secure, quality shot-stopping. His efforts merited being named the best goalkeeper in Portugal, when Diogo Costa exists.

 

 

Ricardo Velho made 24 more saves than the next goalkeeper with 143 saves in 32 matches, conceding 46. A Herculean task, week-in week-out meriting the gesture of the national team call-up. A motivator for all those who escape the attraction of Portugal’s historic giants for the benefit of personal evolution away from the spotlight.

 

 

So, how is it that Ricardo Velho hasn’t jumped ship to another project with more protection and ambition?

 

As modern goalkeepers grow in importance in the modern game, Ricardo Velho is far from convincing. Velho is dominant in his six-yard box with secure command and ability to claim crosses effectively, but a stranger to venturing outside this zone with very little to offer in terms of ball-playing (limited to going long) or controlling space behind his defence.

 

He ranks below the 30th percentile for passes attempted and defensive actions complete outside his penalty area, demonstrating his limitations for ambitious, top-level sides who intend to play expansive, progressive football at every opportunity.

 

For the right club, Velho is a guaranteed cult hero.

 

By: Kevin Araujo Fernandes / @kevinaraujof

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / SOPA Images / Light Rocket

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