2020. Pandemic year. Young OHobby was still in his early days of what would become a great successful hobby story. And then the most stacked set of Portuguese league stickers came out. So many young (and hungry) players burst into the scene in a year that it was different for so many reasons.
Sporting was champion after 19 years. Lead by a group of youngsters and what we called in Portugal the “estrelinha de campeão” (champions’ star – it’s when a club wins a lot of games after the 90 minute).
Here is the Ohobby top 10:
The Panini Futebol 2020-2021 Complete Album
10 – Joao Mario Rookie Sticker – #248bis
The other João Mário. João Mário is the starter fullback for FC Porto. He was part of the team that won the Youth league in 2019. Can do the full wing, with the quality of a winger and the defensive awareness of a full back.
9 – Eduardo Quaresma Rookie Sticker – #293 / #355
The other Quaresma. Quaresma is CB that brings what Inácio does not – an more attacking approach CB, who can make an 1-2 with the winger
Needs a bit more work ethic in order to fullfill the talent he has. Currently plays for Sporting.
8 – Daniel Braganca Rookie Sticker – #298
Moutinho’s second coming. Probably my favorite player on the list. What a treat it is to watch this deep line playmaker. He seems to make the perfect decision with the ball. He also makes his teammates better. Great role player for his current club: Sporting CP.
7 – Angel Gomes Rookie Sticker – #66
Mr Gomes. Portuguese football suited Gomes down to the ground. Formerly a Manchester United academy player, he spent a year here where he scored a worldie of a goal. Currently plays for Lille.
6 – Fabio Vieira Rookie Sticker – #250
The little magician. I like Vieira, always have. Back in 2020 I would have him higher on the list, but he’s not performing well at his current club. He is an aggressive attacking midfielder, who can play on the wing, and put the ball in. Current plays for Arsenal.
5 – Goncalo Ignacio Rookie Sticker – #292 / #355
The future CB of Portugal. One of the best left foot CBs out there is outhere. I see some shades of Vertonghen in him. Really great piece to have on your team, since he has the composure to tackle defenders, but also to put a great ball throw behind the defenders. Still plays for Sporting CP
4 – Nuno Mendes Rookie Sticker – #296 / #352
For me, the best LB in the world. Nuno Mendes it’s truly world class. I love the guy he plays on the wing – his raw pace it’s just outstanding. A nightmare for defenders. If healthy I can see him take a huge role on PSG’s Champions League run. Currently plays for PSG.
3 – Goncalo Ramos Rookie Sticker – #54bis
“O pistoleiro” Gonçalo Ramos first year in the big leagues, was average, as you would expect. Had a great first couple of games on the “B” side – which lead him to be promoted to the “A” side, and after that, he never left. Had a breakout game, vs Switzerland, in the World Cup, where he scored 3 goals
Currently plays for PSG.
2 – Mathues Nunes Rookie Sticker – #299bis
From the bakery to stardom. Sporting’s powerhouse player, he was one of the key players for Sporting championship hopes. He had a breakout year. From non league, to champion. Only a few can tell that story. Currently plays for Manchester City.
1 – Darwin Nunez Rookie Sticker – #52
Darwin Nunez is the best rookie sticker in Panini Futebol 2020/21
The Ohobby sugar daddy. The quick and agile striker that came with a hefty price tag (24M€) did not have a great first year – but the second one was an amazing one. It has to be the number 1 of the set, and the chase sticker. Currently plays for Liverpool
Summary
This is the mother of modern portuguese league sets!
A very good set for rookies. I’m sure this one will be talked about for years to come. The recent ones don’t have the same quality as this one.
That’s it.
Ohobby out.
