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What André Gomes will bring to Barcelona

Luis Suárez saluted Barcelona's latest new arrival in a morning press conference; UEFA.com's Richard Martin explains why midfielder André Gomes will be welcomed at Camp Nou.

André Gomes has scored some great goals in his time at Valencia
André Gomes has scored some great goals in his time at Valencia ©AFP/Getty Images

"André Gomes will help us and add a lot to the team," said Luis Suárez as Barcelona greeted their newest arrivals. "We're delighted to have players like him." UEFA.com explains why the Uruguayan has good reason to be pleased.

What is his background?
Gomes joined local club Porto as a 12-year-old but later moved to arch-rivals Benfica, where he made his senior debut at 19. Gomes largely played for Benfica B – being restricted to seven Liga starts – though he had a bigger role in the UEFA Europa League, appearing in seven of nine knockout games on Porto's route to the 2014 final, where they lost on penalties to Sevilla. Brought to Valencia by compatriot Nuno Espírito Santo after that final defeat in Turin, Gomes was one of the forces behind Valencia's push for fourth spot in the 2014/15 Spanish Liga, an achievement which earned a UEFA Champions League return. Gomes also contributed to Portugal's UEFA EURO 2016 triumph, starting their first four matches and featuring as a substitute in the semi-final against Wales.

How has he fared on the big stage?
Gomes made a huge impression when Valencia visited Camp Nou towards the end of 2014/15; although Barcelona won 2-0, the away team spent much of the game keeping the hosts in check, due in no small part to Gomes's gliding runs and crisp passing. Last season was even better as Valencia stunned the Barcelona faithful with a 2-1 victory, Gomes laying on Guilherme Siqueira's opening goal. The tall midfielder also made his mark against other Spanish footballing heavyweights – netting a brilliant individual effort in a 3-1 success against Atlético Madrid in his first term, then producing a stunning strike from outside the area at Real Madrid last season.

Why have Barcelona signed him?
The Portuguese has all the qualities Barcelona seek in a player: incredible technique on the ball, confidence in taking players on, outstanding vision and the ability to summon incisive passes. Set to turn 23 on 30 July, in Gomes the Catalans gain a quality footballer whom they should be able to call on for years to come.

Where does he fit in?
Gomes's strengths are driving the team forward and supplying forwards with irresistible through balls. "I like to play in midfield, preferably attacking midfield," he said upon arriving at Valencia. Former coach Gary Neville saw his best role on the left of a midfield three so he could focus exclusively on helping the attack. Almost a decade younger than Andrés Iniesta, Gomes may be considered a long-term replacement for the Spain and Barça veteran, although he could just as easily operate on the right of Luis Enrique's midfield three, competing with Ivan Rakitić and Arda Turan for the privilege of servicing Lionel Messi.

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