One More Year

Great news if like me you are a big Nuno Valente fan, as the Portuguese left back has signed on for one more year with the Blues. His European experience will again be vital as Blues try to emulate Rangers and Zenit and make the UEFA Cup Final. The 33 yr old defender made 14 starts for the Blues this season, but has found himself down the pecking order with the form of Roger and Bainsey in his favoured left back position. (14/05/08)

Foot Injury

Nuno is struggling to be fit for the weekend after sustaining an injury in the 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday. He was substituted in the second half.

Moyesy says: "You've got to say that Nuno Valente came into the team and played a part - albeit that Nuno has quite a bad injury to his foot." (29/09/07)

European Experience

With a pre-season behind him, and experience winning the European Cup with Porto, Moyesy expects Nuno to be an asset this season.

Moyesy says: “Nuno has come back in really good condition. Missing pre-season has a really big impact on the remainder of the year for a player and perhaps we didn’t appreciate just how much the World Cup took out of him. He looks as if he is determined and he will come on a lot for being involved just now. He really needs five or six weeks training to get back up to the speed of Premier League football, but he is already half way there.

Once he gets up and running, he will be fine. You have to remember he is Portugal’s left-back and is a very good footballer. Portugal are one of the best sides in Europe and he is a regular for them, so that shows his quality. We know that he has had his injury problems in the past but we hope they are behind him and that he can go and play a part for us this season. He is a popular lad in the squad and let’s hope we see the best of him.” (26/07/07)

   Everton 1st Team Squad 2007/08       Nuno Valente Last Season