After a weeklong absence, Steven Caldwell is back in the saddle for Race for the Roster. This week, the former Scotland defender wants to focus on a key Canada player who just isn’t getting any match time for his storied European club right now. And, no, it isn’t Jonathan David.
While David has undoubtedly not gotten the minutes some might have expected with his summer move to Juventus, he could be in line for an increase with a change in manager. Last week, Igor Tudor was sacked by the Bianconeri after an eight-match winless run with former Napoli and Italy manager Luciano Spalletti taking over in his stead. David saw only six minutes of action in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Cremonese, coming in for Dusan Vlahovic in the 85th minute.
No, the player Caldwell is worried about this week is Stephen Eustáquio. The 28-year-old Leamington, Ont. native’s Porto is flying high so far this season under former Ajax and Nice manager Francesco Farioli with their only loss in all competitions coming in the Europa League against Nottingham Forest. Porto currently sits atop the Primeira Liga table on 28 points, three clear of Sporting.
But Eustáquio has hardly been a contributor to this success. He’s appeared in only five league matches this season and six overall. He last took to the pitch in Primeira Liga action on Sept. 19 in a 33-minute substitute appearance against Rio Ave. Eustáquio has appeared in a combined 156 league minutes this season.
Caldwell’s concern is genuine.
Eustáquio is a player who Caldwell has locked into his starting midfield, but his current playing time is being dwarfed by that of other options at manager Jesse Marsch’s avail. Something has to change in order for Eustáquio to get the requisite playing time he needs to be the kind of midfield general Canada expects next summer. Unfortunately, he’s unlikely to find it at Porto.
With the transfer window reopening in January, Caldwell believes it’s time for Eustáquio to exit from Porto to find regular minutes. He might not prefer staying in Portugal, so that would mean a move abroad. For Caldwell, Spain, Italy or a big club in a smaller league makes the most sense. He does not see England as a good fit for Eustáquio’s game.
While this won’t be settled any time soon, Eustáquio’s situation is a key concern for Marsch and Canada as we get closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Race for the Roster: Week 22 (4-4-2)
Forwards
STARTERS: Jonathan David (Juventus) and Cyle Larin (Feyenoord, on loan from Mallorca)
BENCH: Promise David (Union SG), Daniel Jebbison (Preston North End, on loan from Bournemouth) and Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal)
Midfield and Defenders
STARTING MIDFIELDERS: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) INJ, Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Stephen Eustaquio (Porto) and Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal)
BENCH: Jacob Shaffelburg (Nashville), Ismael Koné (Sassuolo, on loan from Marseille), David “Junior” Hoilett (Hibernian), Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht), Mathieu Choiniere (Los Angeles FC) and Ali Ahmed (Vancouver Whitecaps)
STARTING DEFENDERS: Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Derek Cornelius (Rangers, on loan from Marseille), Moise Bombito (Nice) INJ and Alistair Johnston (Celtic) INJ
BENCH: Sam Adekugbe (Vancouver Whitecaps) INJ, Jamie Knight-Lebel (Swindon Town, on loan from Bristol City), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire) and Luc de Fougerolles (Dender, on loan from Fulham)
Goalkeeper
STARTER: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United)
BENCH: Maxime Crepeau (Portland Timbers) and Tom McGill (Brighton)
IN THE HUNT: : James Pantemis (Portland Timbers) and Jonathan Sirois (CF Montreal)
