Although the Nelson Oliveira story continues to be an ongoing topic for the Benfica Nation, one can't help but to wonder what the future holds for the young Benfica striker. The 24 year old is currently on loan to English Championship side Nottingham Forest and has scored 8 goals in 23 league appearances. In a league in which 46 league games are played (not including cup competitions) Oliveira at this rate may end up with 15 - 20 goals this season.
It is true that Nottingham Forest plays in a second division league in England and are currently in tenth place (15 points from first place, 8 points from a promotion play-off spot sixth place.) but an argument can be made that The Championship in England may be more competitive then most European Leagues including Portugal's Liga NOS. In the Championship, a promotion is worth 100 Million Pounds whereas in Portugal a promotion from the second division to the first division may be worth 100 Million "Escudos" or "Paus" (probably less). Scoring 8 to 15 to possibly 20 goals in this League should be an accomplishment worth acknowledging in any league let alone the Portuguese League.
In a year in which Portugal had a very favourable draw in Euro 2016 Fernando Santos is still without a dedicated true striker. Oliveira, although may not be a favourable choice to most Portuguese footy fans due to his outspoken Father and poor attitude during his days under Jorge Jesus, Oliveira compared to other Portuguese strikers such as; Eder, Hugo Almeida, Helder Postiga, Lucas Joao, and a few others has proven himself worthy according to his numbers.
If Nelson Oliveira was currently on loan in the Portuguese Liga NOS to a mid-table team such as; Arouca, Belenenses, or even Braga and scored 8-10 League goals this season, many critics and fans would be in favour of having Nelson Oliveira return to Benfica and become the second or third string striker. Benfica this summer acquired 50% of Raul Jimenez' rights and although there is talent in th young Mexican's feet, he has only produced 3 goals in the Liga this year at the Luz.
Nelson Oliveira is a "Made In Benfica" product from The Seixal and has been since 2006. He is represented by Jorge Mendes and his contract with Benfica expires on June of 2016. Although Oliveira has crossed paths with Rui Vitoria in the past, there is no word yet as to what Oliveira's future holds with Vitoria or at The Luz. One thing is for sure Benfica fans love not only a Portuguese Striker but one who scores goals. This is something Benfica has not seen since the says of Nuno Gomes. Hopefully for Oliveira he can keep his attitude in check and can continue to work hard by delivering the goals proving that he is worth a shot for Benfica's future.
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