Amid chaos, Luís Avelãs likes Sporting signing: above average | OneFootball

Rodrigo Zalazar was one of the main standouts highlighted by Luís Avelãs after Sporting’s draw in Reboleira (2-2), with the journalist quick to praise the impact of the Uruguayan signing. Although the Lions let a two-goal lead slip, he believes there are mitigating factors linked to the many changes in the squad.

"It is too early for definitive conclusions, but Zalazar is above average. The Uruguayan scored and provided an assist and has what it takes to keep helping like this in the future, and not only in this way. The other new faces called into action yesterday showed some details, but they were not as eloquent. Young Flávio, however, looks like someone worth keeping an eye on," he wrote in the newspaper 'Record'.

As for the explanation for the draw, Luís Avelãs also points to the changes compared to last season: "While it is true that Sporting’s obvious lapse was their own fault, it should not be forgotten that there were significant changes compared to the usual setup from last season (with the departure of key players), and yesterday there were also, for example, the absences of Maxi Araújo (suspended), Suárez and Fresneda (substitutes who were used), Debast and João Simões (injured). The team needs time to stabilize different processes and dynamics and, of course, to integrate the new faces into competitive action."

Regarding Fotis Ioannidis, the journalist does not believe the Greek striker can take Luis Suárez’s place in the starting eleven: "I don’t think so. The Greek is not just any player, but he does not have the South American’s usual efficiency. Still, in such a long season, he can and should help. More than in the previous season." As for Rui Silva, Avelãs said he bore responsibility for the (2-2): "The way he tried to stop the move ended up leading to the goal. It is true that shortly afterward he prevented defeat, but the damage had already been done."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.