Peerless Pepe Essential in Portugal's Euro 2016 Progression

It’s somewhat remarkable that, despite failing to win a match inside 90 minutes, Portugal were the first team to secure a place in the semi finals of Euro 2016. A penalty shoot out win over Poland on Thursday night guaranteed their successful progression to the next round of the competition for the fifth time in seven European Championship tournaments. While much of the onus was on Cristiano Ronaldo coming into the competition, a number of his Portugal teammates have instead stepped up to the mantle to help the Seleccao to this stage of Euro 2016. 

Renato Sanches proved just why Bayern spent extravagantly to secure his services with a man of the match performance against Poland. The teenage sensation maximised his raw natural talent to routinely heap pressure on Portugal’s opponents and was rewarded, not only with a goal, but a better WhoScored rating (9.08) than any other player on the pitch. He was, of course, able to exert his creative qualities and maximise his athleticism - Sanches completed more dribbles (7) than any other player in the fixture - as a result of a solid defensive base which has played a key role in Portugal’s summer success. 

Champions League winner Pepe has been a solid performer throughout the tournament at the heart of the defence. His WhoScored rating (8.09) was second only to Sanches of all Portugal players on Thursday night and was enough to earn a place in the team of the quarter finals, but it wasn’t just in the quarter final that the 33-year-old has impressed. Pepe is currently Portugal’s highest rated player at the competition, with a rating of 7.35. He has played every minute of their European Championship campaign so far, which further amplifies his notable achievement. 

Once you take away the theatrics, Pepe is undoubtedly a highly accomplished defender, as he has been proving in France this summer. While the defence appeared shaky in the group stages, particularly in the 3-3 draw with Hungary, Portugal’s backline has since improved markedly in the knockout stages, that in part coming down to Jose Fonte’s introduction to the starting XI. The backline has looked far more solid since, but Pepe has been the defensive lynchpin for the side at the European Championships. 

Indeed, he has won possession in the defensive third more times (25) than any other player at Euro 2016. This allows for Portugal to build attacks from the back rather than aimlessly pump the ball forward in the hope of catching teams on the break. It’s little shock, therefore, that Pepe has played the third most forward passes (141) in France, behind only Toni Kroos (169) and Jerome Boateng (146). Furthermore, he ranks first of all outfielders for accurate long balls per game (6.2) in the Portugal squad, with a willingness to either help spread the play to the full-backs or into midfield a benefit to the side. 

Rather than monotonously retain possession for the sake of keeping possession, Pepe instead looks to drive the team forward from defence. An average of 55.1% possession - the sixth best at Euro 2016 - suggests they do dominate the opposition, but then they are quick to get the ball forward when it’s required. Only Belgium (10) have had more shots on the counter attack than Portugal (5), with the experienced centre-back vital in rapidly transitioning from defence to attack. 

It’s here where his commendable reading of the game comes to the fore. Instead of relying on last ditch tackles in order to deny the opposition attacks, Pepe maximises his mental qualities to pre-emptively deny opponents. 3.4 interceptions per game is the joint-fourth best of those to make three or more Euro 2016 appearances. Again this comes back to the ability to quickly move from defence to attack, with Pepe able to not only restrict attacks upon Rui Patricio’s goal, but play the ball out in the hope of catching opponents off guard. 

0.8 tackles per game may seem a very modest return, but to quote former Italy international Paolo Maldini: “If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake.” Clearly, Pepe can utilise all of his experience to ensure he isn’t forced into making last ditch challenges to deny the opposition, which runs the risk of sacrificing possession or committing fouls. 

Once more, though, Pepe has re-established himself as one of the most complete centre-backs in Europe. There were concerns that dropping down the pecking order at Real Madrid could have impacted his Euro 2016 chances, but injuries to Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane saw him make 21 league starts last season. He’s continued his good form at the European Championships, though he will have his defensive qualities put to the test against Wales on Wednesday. However, given his performances this summer, Pepe has what it takes to marshal the Portugal defence and lead them to the final of Euro 2016.

What do you make of Pepe's performances at Euro 2016 so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below