Roberto Martinez makes interesting claim about Chelsea's Renato Veiga after third Portugal cap

Arriving at Chelsea from FC Basel in the summer, 21-year-old Renato Veiga is beginning to make quite the impression at Stamford Bridge.

When he signed for Chelsea, Veiga was viewed as a perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s new style, given he is able to operate in several positions.

Veiga is capable of excelling as a left-sided centre-back, at left back or even in a deep-lying midfield role.

Predominantly, Maresca has used Veiga as a left-back thus far, but he’s also trusted him as No.6 twice in his first 11 Chelsea appearances.

That being said, the defender lined up as the left-sided centre-back in a back three during Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Croatia, when manager Roberto Martinez made several changes.

Portugal had already topped their group, and Veiga earned a chance to start as a result.

Renato Veiga and Joao Felix both praised for Portugal performances

A Bola lauded Veiga for a positive performance overall, notably saying he imposed himself on Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric on occasion.

Speaking after the game via Sapo Desporto, Martinez praised Veiga for his ‘great personality’, and also shared some interesting comments about his Chelsea teammate Joao Felix, too.

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Felix scored for Portugal, and Martinez was impressed by two of Chelsea’s Portuguese representatives.

Martinez said: “Seeing a player like Renato Veiga, who is playing for the national team for the third time, shows a great personality.

“Tomas Araujo who shows the future and the present, Fabio Silva who is a different kind of striker”.

He continued: “Positive notes, Joao Felix’s position helps him a lot, he is a very important player. 

“Jose Sa also showed his worth in Diogo Costa’s absence. I am very happy with everyone, not just the new players”

Enzo Maresca has already praised Renato Veiga at Chelsea

An excellent few months for Veiga who has handled the step up from Swiss football superbly.

That being said, speaking last month, Maresca was also complimentary about Veiga, hailing his versatility as mentioned.

Maresca said: “Renato, I just said to him inside the changing room, he has played as a centre-back, full-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder.

“I said the reason why I love Chelsea is because many players can be versatile. It is better for the team and for the players.

“Today, if you just play one position; I don’t think it’s enough. You need to learn to play more positions.”