A-League star reveals why former teammate why Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos is such a special player

Macarthur Bulls striker Anthony Carter knows the quality of Portugal young gun Goncalo Ramos better than most.

The pair were teammates at Benfica B in 2019 – and even though the breakout star at the World Cup was only a raw teenager back then, his class was obvious.

Ramos was promoted from the under-19s squad and his teammates quickly knew he was something special.

‘He’s an extraordinary player, very, very good. ‘Goncalo, he’s always in the right positioning, the right timing,’ Carter said. 

‘He’s got that smell of the goal. It is an instinct thing. He knows where the ball is going to drop.’

Ramos started versus Switzerland instead of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup in Qatar – and the 21-year-old bagged a hat-trick in the round of 16 win

Ramos was handed an opportunity in Qatar after superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was benched by Portuguese manager Fernando Santos.

The 21-year-old responded in emphatic fashion, scoring a hat-trick in the 6-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16 clash.

Whether Ramos starts at the expense of Ronaldo in the quarter-final against Morocco (2am Sunday, AEDT) remains to be seen – but if he is on the pitch from the opening whistle, Carter is adamant the youngster won’t be overawed by the occasion.

Melbourne born Carter is somewhat of a football journeyman, earning contracts with CFR Cluj (Romania), Trofenese, Benfica B and Académico de Viseu (Portugal), followed by Bangkok United (Thailand) before moving to the A-League this season to work under Dwight Yorke.

The striker is preparing himself for another Portuguese great in the form of Nani, now on the books of Melbourne Victory.

‘Everyone’s fit and ready to play,’ Carter told the Sydney Morning Herald. 

‘We love seeing our fans come out and support us as well, that’s what makes it great.’

Kick-off at Campbelltown Sports Stadium is 5pm on Sunday.