Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has highlighted the significant development of defender Renato Veiga since his departure from Chelsea, calling his improvement “a lot” under manager Marcelino at Villarreal.
Roberto Martinez Praises Defender’s Growth After Chelsea Exit
The 21-year-old left-footed player, who joined Chelsea from Basel for £12 million in the summer of 2024, struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge.
After making just 18 appearances, Chelsea loaned him to Juventus before selling him to Villarreal last summer for a reported £26 million.
Martinez explained that Veiga has truly settled into his role as a centre-back after initially playing as a defensive midfielder.
“He went through Sporting, goes to Switzerland, then Chelsea. That’s where I think he really settles into his position on the pitch,” Martinez told Mundo Maldini.
“He started out a bit as a number 6. A defensive midfielder, now he’s more of a centre-back, working well with Marcelino and improving a lot.”
Since the move, Veiga has earned nine international caps, helped Portugal win the 2025 UEFA Nations League, and become a regular starter for his La Liga club, making 28 appearances.
His strong form places him in contention for Portugal’s World Cup squad.
The sale has raised questions about Chelsea’s strategy. The club turned a swift profit on the teenager but now finds itself actively scouting young defenders in the same mould, like Jeremy Jacquet.
With Veiga thriving in Spain and on the international stage, some critics argue Chelsea made a short-term financial mistake by selling a promising defender who already understood the club.
Veiga’s career path now mirrors other famous Chelsea departures, proving that sometimes a player needs to leave a major club to fully realise his potential.
