Art Deco

Brazilian-born playmaker shines for Porto

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) -- Deco was struggling after a string of injuries a year ago, just another face among dozens of Brazilians making a living in the Portuguese championship.

But over this past season he has blossomed into a match-winning player at FC Porto, and is now being courted by some of Europe's biggest clubs.

"I've become a more mature player under Jose Mourinho," Deco said, referring to the coach who took over at Porto midway through the 2001-02 season.

"He's taught me to see soccer in a different way."

After taking Portuguese nationality earlier this year, the 25-year-old is challenging for a place in Portugal's talented national side under Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"He's generally accepted as being the best player in the Portuguese championship," Scolari said.

His debut in April was a fairytale start to his international career.

Playing against Brazil, which had overlooked him, he came on as a substitute to score the winning goal in Portugal's 2-1 victory over the world champ at Porto's Antas Stadium.

Outside the stadium, Portugal jerseys bearing his name were selling faster than those of national hero Luis Figo.

Deco, known to Porto fans as "The Magical No. 10," has come a long way in recent years.

He left Brazil for Portugal when he was 18, brought by Benfica. But the Lisbon club was unimpressed and loaned him to minnow Alverca.

He then went to Salgueiros before Porto nabbed him at the end of the 1998-99 season.

Injuries hindered his development, and it was only in the 2001-02 season that he hit his stride and gained the consistency to secure a regular place in the team.

He has made a name for himself as a midfield craftsman, carving out sharp attacking moves that can cleave a defense.

Deco's vision, neat dribbling, fancy touches and dazzling free-kicks have made him a crowd favorite and brought him 10 league goals this season.

His small stature, though, could make him easy prey for the more muscular Celtic players in Wednesday's UEFA Cup final.

"He's a great player. It would be foolish to underestimate him," Celtic coach Martin O'Neill said. "If we let him get a grip on the game we'll be in trouble."

A masterful display on that European stage likely will increase the chances of Deco being lured away from the northern Portuguese city.

Last year Porto reportedly turned down a US$10 million offer from Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruna for the midfielder.

With Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and other top clubs reportedly looking to sign him, Deco's price tag after Wednesday's match could be much higher.

 

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