Share this @internewscast.com

Arsenal supporters likely breathed a huge sigh of relief when their name was drawn against Porto for the Champions League last 16.

On paper, the Portuguese side are one of the weaker sides remaining in the competition and the fact that they’re currently seven points off Benfica – who finished third in their Champions League group – in the Primeira Liga would suggest that Arsenal should secure their quarter-final spot with little fuss.

However, Porto have a wealth of experience in the Champions League knockout phase and boast a squad that contains some extremely talented individuals. Sergio Conceicao’s side are not to be dismissed and any complacency from the Gunners will be punished.

Here are the Porto players that Arsenal must watch out for in the Champions League last 16.

Pepe

Porto have two menacing Pepes in their squad / David Ramos/GettyImages

Porto have plenty of menacing attackers in their ranks, a number of which are quintessentially Brazilian. Pepe – not the 40-year-old former Real Madrid centre-back who also plays at the Estadio do Dragao – is one of those that boasts plenty of South American flair, the winger having posted some decent numbers in Europe so far.

The 26-year-old, who earned his first senior Brazil cap last November, has shown his versatility for Porto this term, playing in a variety of positions and roles across the front line. Pepe has netted two goals and laid on six assists across the Primeira Liga and Champions League so far, and his flexibility could give Mikel Arteta some food for thought.

Stephen Eustaquio

The Canada international is a strong midfield presence / Diogo Cardoso/GettyImages

The arrival of Declan Rice last summer has helped Arsenal control the midfield battle in big games this season, with Jorginho also proving a handy sidekick in difficult encounters. However, Stephen Eustaquio has the ability to unsettle the Gunners in central areas, the Canada international’s ferocious nature a real asset to Porto.

The 27-year-old has been in impressive form this term and has started all six of his side’s European fixtures. A talented, press-resistant playmaker, Eustaquio ranks in the top 15% of midfielders for tackles and interceptions in the Champions League, while also offering Porto an attacking threat in the opposition half.

Francisco Evanilson de Lima

Evanilson has been in fine goalscoring form / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Evanilson has proved himself as Porto’s main goal threat this season, netting 19 times in 26 appearances in all competitions. The Brazilian has scored four in five European outings, albeit all of them came in two appearances against Champions League debutants Royal Antwerp in the group stage.

Only four players have scored more than Evanilson in the Champions League so far, with the speedy forward also the first line of defence in Porto’s press. He’s likely to keep Gabriel and William Saliba busy in the last 16 and has the ability to punish any Arsenal sloppiness in the backline.

Wenderson Galeno

Galeno is one of many Brazilians in the Porto ranks / Diogo Cardoso/GettyImages

One of the standout performers in this season’s Champions League, Wenderson Galeno completes a triumvirate of exciting attacking Brazilians for Porto. The winger, who predominantly features on the left-hand side, has four goals and three assists in just five European matches, standing out in games home and away against Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 26-year-old has done an admirable job replacing Luis Diaz since his move to Liverpool and Ben White will be tested repeatedly by the attacker’s trickery and pace. Galeno ranks in the top percentile for goals, assists and carries into the penalty area among forwards in this year’s Champions League, as well as in the top four percent for fouls drawn and progressive carries per 90.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Nike Acknowledges Issues with £135 England World Cup Shirts Falling Short of Standards Following AI-Driven Design

Dropping more than £100 on a football jersey usually means you’re expecting…

Grant Denyer Criticized for Remarks on Bathurst Incident Resulting in Rival Driver’s Spinal Injury

Australian television personality and motorsport competitor Grant Denyer is facing mounting criticism…

Tyrone’s Gaelic Football Journey: Malachy O’Rourke’s Strategy, Rising Star, and Veteran’s Quest for Victory

This week, with the spotlight on golf in the picturesque American South,…

Nuno Espirito Santo Eyes Premier League Payback with West Ham After Snubs from Nottingham Forest and Tottenham

Nuno Espirito Santo maintained a dignified composure when Tottenham dismissed him after…

How Pep Guardiola’s Early Bond with Man City Fans Cultivated an Unbeatable FA Cup Legacy

Pep Guardiola has enjoyed countless dinners during his decade-long stint at Manchester…

Man City vs Liverpool Combined XI: Discover the Surprising Picks and Underperforming Reds in Latest Stats Analysis

The FA Cup is set to reignite passions this weekend as the…

Roy Hodgson’s Triumphant Return: Bristol City Victory Marks 44-Year Coaching Comeback!

Forget casual greetings like man hugs and high fives; Roy Hodgson has…

Liverpool’s Next Superstar: Inside the Hunt for Mohamed Salah’s Successor and the Multi-Million Pound Winger Revolution

Faced with a daunting challenge in Paris, Arne Slot sought a spark…

Atlanta Emerges as America’s Soccer Hub Ahead of the World Cup: A Transformation Unveiled

Andre Benjamin, famously known as Andre 3000, once remarked, “The world’s a…