FC Porto's current season has seen remarkable transformations, particularly with Stephen Eustáquio’s rise from the bench to being one of the standout players for the club. After predominantly sitting out during the early fixtures of the 2024-2025 season, he has become invaluable as the season progresses.
Eustáquio, who serves as the vice-captain of the Canadian national team, initially had to grapple with limited playtime. Since his first start back in August, he made the starting lineup only twice out of the subsequent nine league matches and didn’t feature at all on the bench for two games. This situation prompted concerns, not only among fans but also from Canada's head coach Jesse Marsch, who suggested during the summer transfer window the possibility of Eustáquio needing to leave Porto for more consistent game time.
“One of the things I spoke to Stephen Eustáquio about was, ‘OK, Porto is a great club, but you have to find a way to be the first choice on the pitch. You have to play,’” Marsch remarked, emphasizing the need for the midfielder to be regularly on the field to maintain his competitive edge for the national team.
Fortunately, things took a turn for the good after November 10, as Eustáquio has been featured prominently, starting the last five league matches and eight of the last nine across all competitions. This significant uptick is not just chance; rather, it's the result of Vítor Bruno recognizing his talent and presence on the pitch. Eustáquio missed only one minute of game time during this span, solidifying his position as the team's defensive midfielder.
Transitioning to this pivotal role has been seamless for Eustáquio—who expressed previously to Canadian Soccer Daily, "For me, it’s just a matter of being a player who can do both jobs." His versatility has proven invaluable as he adapts to the demands of his coach and the needs of the game.
The current form of FC Porto, under Bruno's guidance, is impressive. They not only topped their group stages but began to show resilience, particularly evident through their matches in the Europa League where they've been performing well. Porto recently drew against Napoli, which had been a competitive test, and during their group stage matches, including victories against teams like Dinamo Zagreb, Porto's consistency and skill have been on display.
With Eustáquio's revitalized role, Porto has also faced the challenge of maintaining their sharpness and offensive play. Bruno has emphasized the need for the team to deliver exciting football, planning upcoming matches accordingly and urging his players to be at their best. This collective approach, ranging from tactical discipline to creative flair, has propelled Porto to the top of their league and reflects the spirit of the team this season.
The stakes are particularly high with 2025 on the horizon. For both Eustáquio and FC Porto, it’s not just about current performance but also setting the stage for future initiatives and goals. A year laden with possibilities looms, especially considering Canada's increasing ambitions on the international football stage and Porto's long-standing legacy within European competitions.
Fans will surely keep their eyes glued to Eustáquio as he steps up to be both the team player his coach needs and leader his country can rely on. His evolution this season, from the sidelines to starting status, signifies not just personal determination but reflects undercurrents of hope and resilience for both club and country. A great start to the new year will likely keep Eustáquio's dreams alive as he aims high—both on the pitch for Porto and with the CanMNT as they approach pivotal matches.
