Danilo Pereira: The Versatile Defender

Danilo Pereira, the Portuguese footballer who recently joined Al-Ittihad Football’s first team, has had a diverse career as a defender and defensive midfielder. With over 564 matches under his belt, Pereira has played as a central defender in 119 matches, accounting for 21% of his total appearances.

Early Career and Position Shift

Pereira began his career as a defensive midfielder but was transformed into a central defender by his compatriot Fernando Santos, coach of the Portugal national team, in 2022. This position shift was also adopted by Frenchman Christophe Gautier at Paris Saint-Germain, where Pereira played alongside Brazilian stars Marquinhos and Spanish Sergio Ramos.

Club Career and Statistics

Pereira played over 200 matches with Porto, the longest stretch of his professional career, with only 3 matches as a central defender. He also represented Parma in Italy, Aris in Thessaloniki, Greece, Roda Kerkreide in the Netherlands, and Maritimo in Portugal. At Paris Saint-Germain, Pereira played 157 matches, with 65 of them as a central defender.

Coaches and Position Changes

Pereira has worked under several coaches, including German Thomas Tuchel and Argentine Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain. While they used him as a midfielder, Santos’ decision to play him as a central defender at the national team level was a turning point in his career. Pereira has also played under Spanish coach Luis Enrique, who chose him as one of the two centre-backs.

Current Role and Future Prospects

As Pereira joins Al-Ittihad Football’s first team, he is expected to play as a defender. With his experience and versatility, he is likely to be a valuable asset to the team. As he approaches his 33rd birthday, Pereira continues to be a reliable player, with coaches relying on him in various positions.