Daniel Carriço: Sevilla's Mr Europa League
Thursday, March 19, 2015
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Sevilla FC's Daniel Carriço will equal Óscar Cardozo's UEFA Europa League group stage to final record of 44 appearances if he plays this week; Joe Walker profiles the defender.
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Solid and reliable, Daniel Carriço has been a regular performer in his 18 months at Sevilla FC, with his quiet consistency set to net him an unusual string to his bow in the UEFA Europa League.
After featuring 31 times in all competitions last season, Carriço has managed 33 starts already this term, and should he make his 18th appearance in the UEFA Europa League (group stage to final) in Sevilla's decider against Villarreal CF. Should he do so, the Portuguese will equal Óscar Cardozo's record of 44 appearances in the competition proper, since its inception in 2009.
A graduate of Sporting Clube de Portugal's famous Academia de Alcochete – which produced Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo – the versatile defender captained the Lions to the national title at Under-15, U17 and U19 level.
Loan spells at SC Olhanense in his native Portugal and AEL Limassol FC in Cyprus followed before Carriço, who can also play in midfield, cemented his place in Sporting's first team as a 20-year-old in autumn 2008. The following year he was awarded the club captaincy by Paulo Sérgio following the departure of João Moutinho to FC Porto.
After over a decade with Sporting – and 26 games in the UEFA Europa League, group stage to final – Carriço was sold to Reading FC in January 2013. However, he did not enjoy a happy time in England, making only one start in a six-month spell as the club lost their battle against relegation from the Premier League. Sevilla, though, took him on loan for the 2013/14 season, and he embraced the chance of a new start.
"The Spanish league is one of the best in the world and the sides are very tactically astute and competitive," said the 26-year-old upon joining the Hispalenses. "I want to develop here and help Sevilla attain their objectives."
An instant regular, he starred as Emery's men won the 2014 UEFA Europa League final on penalties, a victory all the sweeter for Carriço given it was against Sporting's local rivals SL Benfica. His move was made permanent shortly after. "They are unique moments that you'll never forget," he said of the final in Turin. "We are going to try and win two Europa Leagues in a row. Juande Ramos's Sevilla side made history by winning back-to-back UEFA Cups and we want to do the same."