Our promising young defender Tiago Ilori is currently away at the U21 European Championships with Portugal, and has been discussing the upcoming final after his side cruised past Emre Can’s Germany in a dominant 5-0 semi-final thrashing.
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Portugal have looked superb throughout the tournament, and Ilori was a large part of their defensive stability. Their ability to snuff out attacks has been vital to their success, and they have punished their opposition on the counter-attack with deadly and clinical force.
It was a shame to see Can’s Germany crumble so completely, but we can certainly be pleased with what we have seen of Ilori. The 22-year-old looks like he has a bright future ahead of him, and is looking to continue his fine run with a win in the final.
Unfortunately he didn’t actually take part in the semi-final, and is a doubt to play in the final due to a thigh problem. He was superb in the three group games however, and could be a future star for club and country
“It was great. I couldn’t have asked for better,” said Ilori, as quoted by LiverpoolFC.
“We’re going to do everything we can and of course we’re confident – we’ve always been confident.
“But we are humble enough that every team in the group we were in was good and the other group.
“All the teams in the competition are good teams, so we’re going to give it our best but we’re always going to respect the other team.”
It would be great to see him play a part in the final, but not if there is a risk of him further injuring himself. He may well be involved at Anfield next season, and will no doubt be hoping not to spend another season on loan.