Chelsea’s latest acquisition, Renato Veiga, is eager to showcase his abilities during the club’s pre-season tour. The 20-year-old talent, who joined from Basel for £12 million, is set to prove his worth and secure a place in Enzo Maresca’s squad for the upcoming seasons. Veiga is looking forward to wearing the Chelsea jersey in the upcoming friendlies.
The Blues are preparing for an eventful summer tour across the United States, where they will compete against teams like Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. Veiga, filled with anticipation, is determined to make a strong impression in west London.
Veiga’s Versatility and Playing Style
In an interview on Chelsea’s official website, Veiga described his playing style as “smart and aggressive,” and highlighted his versatility: “I am comfortable on the ball and consider myself a complete player.” He elaborated on his ability to play in multiple positions, including left-back, centre-back, and defensive midfielder, depending on the opponent or tactical needs.
A Strong Defensive Presence
With a passion for defence and a strong physique, Veiga added, “I like to control the game with or without the ball.” His adaptability will undoubtedly provide Maresca with numerous options throughout the pre-season and beyond. During the 2023/24 season, Veiga primarily played as a holding midfielder for Basel but also took on central and attacking midfield roles. He demonstrated his versatility further by playing as a centre-back for Basel and Portugal Under-21s, and as a left-back for German side Augsburg.
Rising Star Among Young Playmakers
Despite his defensive inclination, Veiga ranks impressively high among young playmakers globally. According to the CIES Football Observatory’s performance index, he is in the top ten, ranking fourth with a score of 72.2 out of 100. This places him among promising talents like Oscar Zambrano, Petar Sucic, and Facundo Bernal.
A Promising Future at Chelsea
Veiga’s skills are expected to be a significant asset for Chelsea in the coming years, following his seven-year contract signing with an additional one-year option. The new recruit might get his first opportunity to shine in Chelsea colors next week when the team faces Wrexham in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday, July 25.
