West Ham signed Goncalo Cardoso earlier this summer as he became the club’s fifth arrival. The young defender was brought in shortly before the transfer deadline and he was the only defensive signing of the window.
But West Ham fans know little about Cardoso, who was previously playing for Boavista in the Portuguese top-flight. Here are five facts about the young Hammer, who might be needed sooner than we think if the first-team keep leaking goals.
Left-footed
Cardoso offers West Ham an added bonus. He is left-footed so he can operate on the left-hand side of the central defensive pair. Left-footed centre-backs are naturally more sought-after.
At the moment, of West Ham’s five central defenders, two are left-footed. Alongside Cardoso, Angelo Ogbonna is a left-sided centre-back. Could this mean Ogbonna might move on in the near future?
English speaker
Cardoso speaks English which means he will find it easier to settle into life in London. It will also make it easier for the 18-year-old to communicate with his new teammates. The importance of this cannot be understated, especially for a defender who needs to know the tactics and be organised.
After Cardoso joined, West Ham Sporting Director Mario Husillos told whufc.com: “He has a very good character and mentality, and speaks good English, which will help him to settle more quickly as a young player arriving in a new country.”
Impressive in Portugal
Cardoso has already picked up a handful of senior games in Portugal and he looks the part. After making his debut as a 17-year-old, the teenager has gone on to play 15 times in the Primeira Liga for Boavista.
The Portuguese youngster played three more games in the cup and played his part in keeping eight league clean sheets. Cardoso has held his own in the Portuguese top-flight and is ready for the next challenge.
Watford wanted him
West Ham were not the only club chasing Cardoso. According to The Daily Mail, West Ham’s Premier League rivals wanted him. Italian duo Inter Milan and Lazio were two other teams in the race.
But it was West Ham who won the race for the talented teenager. The Hammers fought off stiff competition and hope that Cardoso can take his game to the next level in East London.
Euro U19 runner-up
Cardoso represents Portugal at youth level. The Portugal U19 starlet was an integral part of the national team during the European U19 Championships last month.
Portugal progressed through their group with ease as Cardoso scored his third goal for his country’s U19 team. Cardoso helped his side to reach the final but they lost 2-0 to Spain int the final.
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