Marco Matias, future S6 Legend?

July 2015 saw the arrival of Marco Matias to S6 following a transfer from Portuguese side Nacional, a deal reportedly worth just over £2 million. Matias penned a four year deal. 

Carvalhal put his faith, belief and Chansiri’s money where it matters in an effort to bring him to Hillsborough early July, having links within and around Portugal.

Matias, somewhat unknown in the UK, has a goalscoring record that speaks for itself. Throughout the 2014/15 campaign Matias bagged 17 goals in 33 games in the Primeira Liga, 21 goals in 42 games in all competitions, including three in the Europa League. This from a player, may I add, who does not play directly up top as a front man ‘striker’, but as a direct wide-man.

The pacey forward finished fourth in the Primeira Liga top scorers list, only four short of Jackson Martinez who recently completed a move to Atletico Madrid for €25 million.

Furthermore, 10 of Matias’ 17 league goals came at home, a welcome statistic that would overshadow our recent poor home goals ratio. Twelve of Matias’ 17 goals came in the second half, again a period in which Wednesday have failed to kill off games due to lack of killer instinct in front of goal. Long may his form continue…

The addition of Lucas João will only work to Marco’s advantage having played together throughout the last campaign in Portugal’s top flight division. Matias is a player in which I expect to dazzle fans with eye-catching performances, have distinctive touches on the ball and flourish on the field of play. The prospect of Matias gracing the new Hillsborough surface has brought sheer delight among Wednesdayites.

I don’t see any reason why Matias cannot continue netting goals having played top flight football within Portugal at a club not seen as ‘title contenders’, Nacional finished 7th in the Primeira Liga last season, similarly averaging 1.3 points per game, likewise to Sheffield Wednesday. Obviously Championship football is very challenging and can take foreign imports time to adapt to the ‘English’ game and way of life, however, a talent like Matias, at the age of 26, in his prime, I’m sure will challenge players alike, in training and against opposition.

Having watched Matias in pre-season and reading reports alike, I’m sure we have a special player. He may just be answer to our creativity and goalscoring woes within the final third. Chipping in with goals already throughout July, ultimately, I quickly expect him to become a fans favourite and one of the first names on the team-sheet, week in, week out.

Flair and pace are just some of the key attributes Matias possesses, and his firepower will prove essential in the aim to a top-six Championship finish. Direct and single-minded, Matias WILL create opportunities and panic opposition defenders.

A snitch at £2 million? I believe so, however, Matias can only prove this. Now is the time for his football to do the talking and let his talent prevail. The sky is the limit for the Portuguese winger.

I am convinced his name will be endlessly spoken on the Hillsborough terraces throughout the 2015/16 season. His energy and divine presence will have fans on the edge of their seats.

Marco Matias…time to become an S6 legend. WAWAW