Roberto Martinez explains why Bruno Fernandes is a 'dream for a coach'
- Roberto Martinez has praised Bruno Fernandes' tactical flexibility
- 29-year-old has been in stunning form for Portugal
- He's bagged five goals and eight assists in Euro 2024 qualifying
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has hailed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a "dream for a coach" due to his tactical flexibility.
Fernandes has been a key player for both club and country for a number of seasons, with the 29-year-old bagging a stunning five goals and eight assists for his nation during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and a further four goal contributions for United this season too.
Despite being regarded as one of the best central attacking midfielders in world football, Fernandes has regularly been utilised in a number of different positions by both his club and national team managers. As well as playing as an '10', the Portugal star has also started games a deeper-lying midfielder, and even a right forward on occasion for United.
Fernandes was used on the right of a midfield three by Martinez in an emphatic 5-0 win for Portugal over Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday evening, bagging a goal and an assist in the victory.
Speaking to Record before that win, Martinez was keen to stress how important it is to have players like Fernandes in a squad.
"Bruno Fernandes is a very good professional, a player who has seven assists [now eight after the win over Bosnia], an intelligent player, who adapts to the qualities of his teammates, who gives a lot of tactical flexibility. Bruno Fernandes is a dream for a coach," the boss explained.
"He needs training to understand the idea of the game and has a high level of execution. Technically he has a vision of the game that I think is of superlative quality and I really like his work. He's adapted to many positions, he gives structure, he gives balance, he’s a key player for us."
Fernandes will be back in club football action this weekend when Manchester United travel across the Pennines to Bramall Lane to face off against Sheffield United in the Premier League.
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