Borja Sainz’s resilience shines as impact substitute keeps scoring for Porto | OneFootball

Borja Sainz has rediscovered his spark, scoring three times at the start of the season despite not starting. Each appearance has come from the bench to replace William Gomes, initially on the right before switching flanks with Pepê.

After a cathartic strike in Vila do Conde, his first since his mother’s death, he followed up against Arouca, then most recently in Rio Maior. The Casa Pia goal arrived four minutes after he came on and is the only one he has scored from the right. Speaking to O Jogo, Norwich and Panama defender José Cordoba said confidence lets Sainz unbalance opponents with pace and that he looks adapted and happy at Porto.

Cordoba added that staying at 100 per cent is hard when there is noise or pain off the pitch, calling Sainz a case of resilience supported by his father and family. He watches Porto’s games on television and has been struck by Sainz’s impact.

The pair were team-mates at Norwich, where Sainz scored 19 goals in 47 Championship matches. Cordoba recalled how easy he was to play with, often in the right place to hurt opponents.

He sees Sainz at his best as a winger who devours the flank, stretches full-backs and links creatively with forwards. The Spaniard helped welcome Cordoba alongside Marcelino Nuñez and had earlier played with fellow Panamanian Puma Rodríguez at Alavés, a bond that shaped their understanding.

With the goals flowing again, Sainz is eyeing a start, though he knows Farioli wants everyone ready to make a difference at any moment.

Source: O Jogo

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