Q&A

Benfica’s newest Champions League star

The Portuguese club are no strangers to producing attacking talent, and it seems they have another on their hands in Gonçalo Ramos. The striker sits down to discuss his (and Benfica's) fast start, leading the line and his centre-forward heroes

CJ Extra

What do you think are the most important attributes that make a good No9?

Many people think, “He is a centre-forward, he just needs to score and nothing else matters.” But this image is disappearing and it’s increasingly important to be more in the game, contributing more to the team, pressing up the pitch.

Do you have any idols when it comes to strikers?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was not originally a centre forward, I think he is a reference to any footballer who plays up front. Robert Lewandowski too. Zlatan Ibrahimović – I am also a big fan of him. Every day I learn more, because we are not the same as players: all of us have personal characteristics and we always try to help each other. We are always paying attention to body position, to timing. We’ve started to improve ourselves and smooth out the edges.

It comes as little surprise who Ramos reveals as his idol

You’ve had a great start to the season – with four goals in qualifying for the Champions League – and you’ve had two wins from two in the group stage so far. What explains your – and Benfica’s – good form?

I try to prepare myself the best way I can and be in my best form, physically. That is the first step towards things going well. Then, I always give my all in training and try to take in the ideas of the coach. And we knew, regarding the qualifying stage, that it would be about tiny margins. They were important matches for the club but they were also matches in which the adrenaline was at the highest level. These are the matches that we all want to play and we don’t need extra motivation; we’re all fully switched on. It was important to have started the season well and there’s no player who starts well if the team doesn’t start well. And of course, that helped me and I ended up scoring and helping the team.

Last season you played alongside Darwin Núñez up front, so how are you enjoying your new role as a sole striker?

My best role in the team is to lead the attack, as a No9. However, I enjoyed playing in a supporting role with Darwin last season. I enjoy both roles – what really counts is that I play. Of course, having Darwin up front left me space to exploit. It was an effective partnership; last season Darwin scored something like 35 goals, and I exploited the space around the edge of the box. Our partnership flourished, but now I have the opportunity to lead the line,.

Has the system implemented by your coach, Roger Schmidt, helped you in this role?

The new system really suits me. The ideas and tactics that the coach has brought not only suit me but every player. He also spoke to me about what he wants from me – and as you can see, it’s worked out well.

What are your hopes for Benfica in the Champions League this season?

The team always sets out to win every game – we are Benfica. Our main goal at the moment is to get through the group stage, and it’s only then when we’ll look further ahead. We’re not going to say that we have to make it to the semi-finals or the final. If we don’t get past the group stage then none of that matters. I don’t have any personal objectives; what matter are the team’s objectives and to go as far as possible.

What do you think are the most important attributes that make a good No9?

Many people think, “He is a centre-forward, he just needs to score and nothing else matters.” But this image is disappearing and it’s increasingly important to be more in the game, contributing more to the team, pressing up the pitch.

Do you have any idols when it comes to strikers?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was not originally a centre forward, I think he is a reference to any footballer who plays up front. Robert Lewandowski too. Zlatan Ibrahimović – I am also a big fan of him. Every day I learn more, because we are not the same as players: all of us have personal characteristics and we always try to help each other. We are always paying attention to body position, to timing. We’ve started to improve ourselves and smooth out the edges.

It comes as little surprise who Ramos reveals as his idol

You’ve had a great start to the season – with four goals in qualifying for the Champions League – and you’ve had two wins from two in the group stage so far. What explains your – and Benfica’s – good form?

I try to prepare myself the best way I can and be in my best form, physically. That is the first step towards things going well. Then, I always give my all in training and try to take in the ideas of the coach. And we knew, regarding the qualifying stage, that it would be about tiny margins. They were important matches for the club but they were also matches in which the adrenaline was at the highest level. These are the matches that we all want to play and we don’t need extra motivation; we’re all fully switched on. It was important to have started the season well and there’s no player who starts well if the team doesn’t start well. And of course, that helped me and I ended up scoring and helping the team.

Last season you played alongside Darwin Núñez up front, so how are you enjoying your new role as a sole striker?

My best role in the team is to lead the attack, as a No9. However, I enjoyed playing in a supporting role with Darwin last season. I enjoy both roles – what really counts is that I play. Of course, having Darwin up front left me space to exploit. It was an effective partnership; last season Darwin scored something like 35 goals, and I exploited the space around the edge of the box. Our partnership flourished, but now I have the opportunity to lead the line,.

Has the system implemented by your coach, Roger Schmidt, helped you in this role?

The new system really suits me. The ideas and tactics that the coach has brought not only suit me but every player. He also spoke to me about what he wants from me – and as you can see, it’s worked out well.

What are your hopes for Benfica in the Champions League this season?

The team always sets out to win every game – we are Benfica. Our main goal at the moment is to get through the group stage, and it’s only then when we’ll look further ahead. We’re not going to say that we have to make it to the semi-finals or the final. If we don’t get past the group stage then none of that matters. I don’t have any personal objectives; what matter are the team’s objectives and to go as far as possible.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

What do you think are the most important attributes that make a good No9?

Many people think, “He is a centre-forward, he just needs to score and nothing else matters.” But this image is disappearing and it’s increasingly important to be more in the game, contributing more to the team, pressing up the pitch.

Do you have any idols when it comes to strikers?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was not originally a centre forward, I think he is a reference to any footballer who plays up front. Robert Lewandowski too. Zlatan Ibrahimović – I am also a big fan of him. Every day I learn more, because we are not the same as players: all of us have personal characteristics and we always try to help each other. We are always paying attention to body position, to timing. We’ve started to improve ourselves and smooth out the edges.

It comes as little surprise who Ramos reveals as his idol

You’ve had a great start to the season – with four goals in qualifying for the Champions League – and you’ve had two wins from two in the group stage so far. What explains your – and Benfica’s – good form?

I try to prepare myself the best way I can and be in my best form, physically. That is the first step towards things going well. Then, I always give my all in training and try to take in the ideas of the coach. And we knew, regarding the qualifying stage, that it would be about tiny margins. They were important matches for the club but they were also matches in which the adrenaline was at the highest level. These are the matches that we all want to play and we don’t need extra motivation; we’re all fully switched on. It was important to have started the season well and there’s no player who starts well if the team doesn’t start well. And of course, that helped me and I ended up scoring and helping the team.

Last season you played alongside Darwin Núñez up front, so how are you enjoying your new role as a sole striker?

My best role in the team is to lead the attack, as a No9. However, I enjoyed playing in a supporting role with Darwin last season. I enjoy both roles – what really counts is that I play. Of course, having Darwin up front left me space to exploit. It was an effective partnership; last season Darwin scored something like 35 goals, and I exploited the space around the edge of the box. Our partnership flourished, but now I have the opportunity to lead the line,.

Has the system implemented by your coach, Roger Schmidt, helped you in this role?

The new system really suits me. The ideas and tactics that the coach has brought not only suit me but every player. He also spoke to me about what he wants from me – and as you can see, it’s worked out well.

What are your hopes for Benfica in the Champions League this season?

The team always sets out to win every game – we are Benfica. Our main goal at the moment is to get through the group stage, and it’s only then when we’ll look further ahead. We’re not going to say that we have to make it to the semi-finals or the final. If we don’t get past the group stage then none of that matters. I don’t have any personal objectives; what matter are the team’s objectives and to go as far as possible.

Q&A

Benfica’s newest Champions League star

The Portuguese club are no strangers to producing attacking talent, and it seems they have another on their hands in Gonçalo Ramos. The striker sits down to discuss his (and Benfica's) fast start, leading the line and his centre-forward heroes

Text Link

What do you think are the most important attributes that make a good No9?

Many people think, “He is a centre-forward, he just needs to score and nothing else matters.” But this image is disappearing and it’s increasingly important to be more in the game, contributing more to the team, pressing up the pitch.

Do you have any idols when it comes to strikers?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was not originally a centre forward, I think he is a reference to any footballer who plays up front. Robert Lewandowski too. Zlatan Ibrahimović – I am also a big fan of him. Every day I learn more, because we are not the same as players: all of us have personal characteristics and we always try to help each other. We are always paying attention to body position, to timing. We’ve started to improve ourselves and smooth out the edges.

It comes as little surprise who Ramos reveals as his idol

You’ve had a great start to the season – with four goals in qualifying for the Champions League – and you’ve had two wins from two in the group stage so far. What explains your – and Benfica’s – good form?

I try to prepare myself the best way I can and be in my best form, physically. That is the first step towards things going well. Then, I always give my all in training and try to take in the ideas of the coach. And we knew, regarding the qualifying stage, that it would be about tiny margins. They were important matches for the club but they were also matches in which the adrenaline was at the highest level. These are the matches that we all want to play and we don’t need extra motivation; we’re all fully switched on. It was important to have started the season well and there’s no player who starts well if the team doesn’t start well. And of course, that helped me and I ended up scoring and helping the team.

Last season you played alongside Darwin Núñez up front, so how are you enjoying your new role as a sole striker?

My best role in the team is to lead the attack, as a No9. However, I enjoyed playing in a supporting role with Darwin last season. I enjoy both roles – what really counts is that I play. Of course, having Darwin up front left me space to exploit. It was an effective partnership; last season Darwin scored something like 35 goals, and I exploited the space around the edge of the box. Our partnership flourished, but now I have the opportunity to lead the line,.

Has the system implemented by your coach, Roger Schmidt, helped you in this role?

The new system really suits me. The ideas and tactics that the coach has brought not only suit me but every player. He also spoke to me about what he wants from me – and as you can see, it’s worked out well.

What are your hopes for Benfica in the Champions League this season?

The team always sets out to win every game – we are Benfica. Our main goal at the moment is to get through the group stage, and it’s only then when we’ll look further ahead. We’re not going to say that we have to make it to the semi-finals or the final. If we don’t get past the group stage then none of that matters. I don’t have any personal objectives; what matter are the team’s objectives and to go as far as possible.

What do you think are the most important attributes that make a good No9?

Many people think, “He is a centre-forward, he just needs to score and nothing else matters.” But this image is disappearing and it’s increasingly important to be more in the game, contributing more to the team, pressing up the pitch.

Do you have any idols when it comes to strikers?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was not originally a centre forward, I think he is a reference to any footballer who plays up front. Robert Lewandowski too. Zlatan Ibrahimović – I am also a big fan of him. Every day I learn more, because we are not the same as players: all of us have personal characteristics and we always try to help each other. We are always paying attention to body position, to timing. We’ve started to improve ourselves and smooth out the edges.

It comes as little surprise who Ramos reveals as his idol

You’ve had a great start to the season – with four goals in qualifying for the Champions League – and you’ve had two wins from two in the group stage so far. What explains your – and Benfica’s – good form?

I try to prepare myself the best way I can and be in my best form, physically. That is the first step towards things going well. Then, I always give my all in training and try to take in the ideas of the coach. And we knew, regarding the qualifying stage, that it would be about tiny margins. They were important matches for the club but they were also matches in which the adrenaline was at the highest level. These are the matches that we all want to play and we don’t need extra motivation; we’re all fully switched on. It was important to have started the season well and there’s no player who starts well if the team doesn’t start well. And of course, that helped me and I ended up scoring and helping the team.

Last season you played alongside Darwin Núñez up front, so how are you enjoying your new role as a sole striker?

My best role in the team is to lead the attack, as a No9. However, I enjoyed playing in a supporting role with Darwin last season. I enjoy both roles – what really counts is that I play. Of course, having Darwin up front left me space to exploit. It was an effective partnership; last season Darwin scored something like 35 goals, and I exploited the space around the edge of the box. Our partnership flourished, but now I have the opportunity to lead the line,.

Has the system implemented by your coach, Roger Schmidt, helped you in this role?

The new system really suits me. The ideas and tactics that the coach has brought not only suit me but every player. He also spoke to me about what he wants from me – and as you can see, it’s worked out well.

What are your hopes for Benfica in the Champions League this season?

The team always sets out to win every game – we are Benfica. Our main goal at the moment is to get through the group stage, and it’s only then when we’ll look further ahead. We’re not going to say that we have to make it to the semi-finals or the final. If we don’t get past the group stage then none of that matters. I don’t have any personal objectives; what matter are the team’s objectives and to go as far as possible.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

What do you think are the most important attributes that make a good No9?

Many people think, “He is a centre-forward, he just needs to score and nothing else matters.” But this image is disappearing and it’s increasingly important to be more in the game, contributing more to the team, pressing up the pitch.

Do you have any idols when it comes to strikers?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he was not originally a centre forward, I think he is a reference to any footballer who plays up front. Robert Lewandowski too. Zlatan Ibrahimović – I am also a big fan of him. Every day I learn more, because we are not the same as players: all of us have personal characteristics and we always try to help each other. We are always paying attention to body position, to timing. We’ve started to improve ourselves and smooth out the edges.

It comes as little surprise who Ramos reveals as his idol

You’ve had a great start to the season – with four goals in qualifying for the Champions League – and you’ve had two wins from two in the group stage so far. What explains your – and Benfica’s – good form?

I try to prepare myself the best way I can and be in my best form, physically. That is the first step towards things going well. Then, I always give my all in training and try to take in the ideas of the coach. And we knew, regarding the qualifying stage, that it would be about tiny margins. They were important matches for the club but they were also matches in which the adrenaline was at the highest level. These are the matches that we all want to play and we don’t need extra motivation; we’re all fully switched on. It was important to have started the season well and there’s no player who starts well if the team doesn’t start well. And of course, that helped me and I ended up scoring and helping the team.

Last season you played alongside Darwin Núñez up front, so how are you enjoying your new role as a sole striker?

My best role in the team is to lead the attack, as a No9. However, I enjoyed playing in a supporting role with Darwin last season. I enjoy both roles – what really counts is that I play. Of course, having Darwin up front left me space to exploit. It was an effective partnership; last season Darwin scored something like 35 goals, and I exploited the space around the edge of the box. Our partnership flourished, but now I have the opportunity to lead the line,.

Has the system implemented by your coach, Roger Schmidt, helped you in this role?

The new system really suits me. The ideas and tactics that the coach has brought not only suit me but every player. He also spoke to me about what he wants from me – and as you can see, it’s worked out well.

What are your hopes for Benfica in the Champions League this season?

The team always sets out to win every game – we are Benfica. Our main goal at the moment is to get through the group stage, and it’s only then when we’ll look further ahead. We’re not going to say that we have to make it to the semi-finals or the final. If we don’t get past the group stage then none of that matters. I don’t have any personal objectives; what matter are the team’s objectives and to go as far as possible.

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