Hélder to Nélson Semedo: "you won't make it as a 10 but you'll be a great full back"
Hélder, the ex-Depor player and Benfica B coach, predicted a big future for him in 2013
Despite his initial reservations, Semedo has made the position his own
Nelson Semedo, Barça’s 23-year-old new signing, did not start out as a right back. In fact, he started as a number 10, but was converted to right back and through hard-work, persistence and a willingness to learn has made the position his own.
Semedo made his debut for Benfica in 2015 following spells with the Lisbon club Sport Uniao Sintrense (2008-2012), Benfica B (2012-2015, including a loan spell at CD Fátima in 2012/13). It was the manager at Benfica Hélder Cristovao, the ex-Deportivo player, who said “you won’t make it as a 10 but you’ll be a great full back”. Semedo wanted to leave the club but finally agreed to start his full back education, but without losing his attacking instincts. After making his debut in 2015, Semedo made 63 appearances for Benfica scoring three goals.
From a humble background, Semedo has a stable partner and a baby girl, born in May 2016. He knows how much it cost him to reach his current level and is not willing to lose it all now through instability and disorder off the pitch. His social media accounts show him to be a relaxed home-lover.
