http://www.uefa.com/magazine/news/kind=33554432/newsid=554420.html Sunny vista for Miguel Veloso Friday 22 June 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It seems an unwritten rule of football that, step off the production line at the Sporting Clube de Portugal academy, and you are immediately whisked away on a fast-track to the top. Miguel Veloso's ascent might have been less startling than that of fellow graduates Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo but, on recent evidence, the only way is up for the defensive midfielder. A player who started the season aiming for first-team football with Sporting has ended it a star performer for his country at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in the Netherlands. Learning curve Strange to think then that his career path wasn't always so steep. Indeed, it lurched to such an extent that he stopped off, in summer 2005, at Portuguese third-division side Clube Desportivo dos Olivais e Moscavide. Looking back now, he is grateful he did. "If you had told me 12 months ago that I would be where I am now ... incredible. But I went through a major experience in my life when I went on loan to Olivais e Moscavide," the 21-year-old told uefa.com. "I learned a lot as a player and as a man. It was a huge step forward for me. I really developed there and it helped me get where I am today." Chance taken If Olivais e Moscavide got a box of delights from the Sporting conveyor belt, Miguel Veloso collected a divisional championship medal for his season's efforts with the Lisbon-based side. When he returned to the Jose Alvalade, he joined a squad under the tutelage of his youth-team coach Paulo Bento. The latter had taken charge in October 2005 and revived Sporting's fortunes to the point where they finished second in the Liga to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The stage was set for Miguel Veloso's second coming. He didn't disappoint. "The last year has been a real step up for me," he said. "When I arrived back at Sporting I knew I had to flight for a place in the team as there were many more established players in the dressing room. When the coach gave me a chance, I tried to do my best and things turned out well for me. I managed to keep a high standard and things have just got better. I hope it will carry on like this." Mr Versatile Miguel Veloso made 22 appearances as Sporting again took runners-up spot in 2006/07. He featured five times in their UEFA Champions League group-stage campaign, and sealed a memorable season by providing the assist for Liedson's solitary strike in the Portuguese Cup final against CF Os Belensenses. From that Alpine height to the Low Countries, and another reputation-enhancing experience. Despite his billing as an anchor man who is also capable of playing in central defence, Portugal's No4 upped his sphere of operations in the Netherlands. From a holding role, the left-footer unleashed a devastating free-kick against the hosts before rounding off the group matches by scoring direct from another set-piece versus Israel. The second of those goals helped win him a Man of the Match award. "Tournaments like the U21 championship are very important for any player," he said. "The whole team, myself included, all wanted to give a good showing and also to help Portugal do well. We were unable to achieve our goal of reaching the semi-finals but now we have to look forward, not back." Bouncing back Defeat in Thursday's play-off against Italy for Olympic Games qualification should not have dented too deeply the morale of an athlete whose blond pony-tail and pop-star looks belie a tough physique. Steel complements the silk. There will be other tournaments for Miguel Veloso, who captained Portugal to victory at the UEFA European U17 Championship of 2003. UEFA's premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League, awaits once more in the autumn. "To be able to take part in that event is a major thing for me," he said. "I remember watching the Champions League on television and seeing the world's top players. I am desperate to do my best for my team and for Sporting as a club. I am living a dream." Family touch The sporting academy continues to yield a rich crop, yet the personal touch that is benefiting Miguel Veloso suggests this is no factory farm. His mentor Paulo Bento was even a team-mate of his father, ex-Portugal defender Antonio Veloso, across the city at SL Benfica. "Paulo Bento has been a big influence on me and on my career. He coached me in the juniors and is now my head coach. He has always counted on me and the only way I have of thanking him is to work hard on the pitch and give everything to the cause." The signs are this exciting talent has plenty more to give. ===== and... Miguel Veloso's profile http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/players/player=70090/index.html --

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