Chelsea's latest signing: An in-depth look at Renato Veiga

Chelsea FC has officially announced the signing of 20-year-old Renato Veiga. The Blues have secured the Portuguese prodigy for £12 million, with Veiga committing to a seven-year deal with the west London club. Fans are abuzz with excitement and anticipation, eager to see what this talented youngster can bring to Stamford Bridge. Let's delve into the profile of Chelsea's latest acquisition and explore what he offers.

Player Profile: Renato Veiga

Renato Veiga, born on July 29, 2003, in Lisbon, Portugal, is a player brimming with potential and versatility. The son of former Cape Verde international Nélson Veiga, Renato began his footballing journey at the renowned Sporting CP academy. After a brief stint with Real S.C., he returned to Sporting CP, where he continued to develop, following in his father's footsteps.

In January 2023, Veiga embarked on his first international venture, joining Augsburg on a one-year loan. Despite making 13 appearances, his loan was cut short in August. Nonetheless, Veiga’s talent shone through, and he swiftly moved to FC Basel on a four-year contract worth €4.6 million.

A Promising Debut in Switzerland

Veiga made an immediate impact in the Swiss Super League, scoring a sensational free-kick on his debut for Basel in a 2-2 draw against Zürich. This performance earned him the Player of the Week accolade, and Basel's Goal of the Season award.

A Versatile Asset

Standing at 6'3" (190 cm), Veiga's physical presence and athleticism are undeniable. His versatility allows him to excel as a defensive midfielder (DM), central midfielder (CM), center-back (CB), and left-back (LB). This jack-of-all-trades capability has made him an invaluable asset to his previous teams and is poised to benefit Chelsea significantly.

Renato Veiga told Chelsea media in his first interview :

‘I’m comfortable on the ball and I would describe myself as a complete player due to my versatility. I’m comfortable in many positions on the pitch. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite position because it depends on the opponent or tactical elements, but I have played at left-back, centre-back and as a defensive midfielder.

'I like to defend a lot and with my height and physical strength, I enjoy it. I like to control the game with or without the ball.’

Strengths and Areas for Development

Veiga’s strengths are manifold. His athleticism, physicality, aerial prowess, long passing, recoveries, tackling, vision, and shooting stand out. At 6'3", he dominates opponents, making himself a nuisance during set-pieces, long balls, or goal kicks. Winning 1.90 aerial duels per 90 minutes places him in the top 10%. His proficiency in ball recoveries, averaging 8.45 per 90 minutes, positions him in the top 1%, showcasing his omnipresence on the pitch. Additionally, his ability to execute 12.39 long pass attempts per 90 minutes (top 3% of midfielders in Europe) and complete 4.93 of those (top 8%) underscores his role as a deep-lying playmaker.

Despite his imposing physique, Veiga is a deft technician capable of maneuvering out of pressure situations. Though not the tidiest on the ball, Veiga is a powerful dribbler who can break through opposing midfields and progress the ball into advanced areas. He consistently looks to take on his man, as evidenced by various statistical metrics: he attempts 2.11 take-ons per 90 minutes (70th percentile), completing 1.41 per 90 (87th percentile) with a success rate of 66.7% (97th percentile).

However, Veiga’s game is not without areas for improvement. His decision-making, consistency, and composure need refinement. He was booked seven times in the 2023-24 season and nine times the previous season, indicating a tendency towards recklessness. Additionally, punctuality issues have arisen, with instances of lateness reported during his time at both Augsburg and FC Basel.

A Future Under Maresca

Renato Veiga's signing was strongly advocated by Maresca, who views him as a key piece in his tactical setup, particularly with the emphasis on inverted fullbacks. The pre-season will be crucial in determining whether Veiga secures a spot in the first team or if a loan move is necessary for further development, perhaps to BlueCo-owned Strasbourg in France. However, at £12 million, he is considered a steal—a diamond in the rough with immense potential.

Conclusion

Renato Veiga's journey is one of growth and promise. Despite his youthful age, his experiences across different leagues and his impressive skill set make him a player to watch. If he can address his areas for development, there is no doubt that Veiga will continue to rise and make a significant impact in the football world. As Chelsea prepares for their pre-season tour, all eyes will be on the Portuguese U-20 captain, eager to see him showcase his talents at Stamford Bridge.