Rúben Dias called up for the World Cup

The 23 players named by Fernando Santos for the Russia World Cup are already known. Rúben Dias is part of the national coach's list for the competition that will take place between June 14th and July 15th.

It is not the first call-up for Portugal national team, but it might be Rúben Dias' debut with the jersey of Portugal's first team. This call-up occurs nearly two months after the first call-up from Fernando Santos who, on March 15, included Benfica's center-back on the squad list for the friendly matches against Egypt and The Netherlands. But the debut did not take place.

Two days later, in Santa Maria da Feira, Rúben Dias picked up an ankle sprain in the dying moments of the match between Benfica and CD Feirense (round 27 of the Liga NOS), therefore, missing the preparation matches for the 2018 World Cup. A serious setback before what would be his debut for Portugal Senior Squad, after having been Portugal's captain in the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the 2016 UEFA Under-19 European Championships.

Two months later, Fernando Santos bets in Rúben Dias again, he who made his debut at Benfica's first team and who was, since that moment, a regular bet from Rui Vitória. He arrived at the end of the season with 31 appearances – a total of 2781 minutes in all competitions –, four goals and as an undisputed starter.

It should be remembered that Portugal, the current European Champion, will face Spain (June 15), Iran (June 20) and Morocco (June 25) in group B of the World Cup.

THE 23 PORTUGUESE NAMED FOR THE 2018 WORLD CUP

• Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes, Beto and Rui Patrício;
• Defenders: Cédric Soares, Ricardo Pereira, Pepe, José Fonte, Bruno Alves, RÚBEN DIAS, Raphael Guerreiro and Mário Rui;
• Midfielders: William Carvalho, João Moutinho, João Mário, Manuel Fernandes, Adrien Silva and Bruno Fernandes;
• Forwards: Bernardo Silva, André Silva, Gonçalo Guedes, Gelson Martins, Quaresma and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica