Gabriel Mec: another Rodrigo Mora or more like Pietuszewski? | OneFootball

Gabriel Mec arrived in Porto on Tuesday to complete his transfer to the Dragons and is expected to be officially announced as an FC Porto signing this Wednesday, provided all procedures go as planned. The 18-year-old Brazilian winger landed at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in the morning, accompanied by his parents and representatives. Next come the medical examinations and the signing of a contract which, in principle, will run until 2031.

Rodrigo Mora’s transfer to Roma has opened up space in the squad for a creative player capable of operating between the lines, a profile Gabriel Mec may help provide, although he is not a replica of the young Portuguese player. The Brazilian’s versatility, as he can play as an attacking midfielder or come in from either wing, will allow Francesco Farioli to introduce different solutions in attack. Even so, his integration is expected to be gradual, given the physical and defensive demands of the Italian’s system and the move to a reality very different from the one he knew in Brazil.

With the ability to use both feet, unpredictability, and quality in one-on-one situations, Gabriel Mec could be an option to break down deep defensive blocks, whether through the flanks or in support of the striker. As was the case with Oskar Pietuszewski, the space he earns at FC Porto will depend on the level he shows in training and the influence he is able to have once he starts being used in competitive matches.

The signing is above all an investment in the future, but Oskar Pietuszewski shows that youth and limited experience in top-level European football do not prevent a swift adaptation at the Dragão. The Polish winger was 17 when he arrived and, despite not being expected to feature immediately, quickly became one of Francesco Farioli’s options.

With the official presentation scheduled for this Wednesday, Gabriel Mec will find a team at Olival already up and running. The Brazilian arrives in the final stretch of the transfer window, when FC Porto already have their collective dynamics in place and have shown high physical levels in the matches played. The initial priority will therefore be to adapt to the intensity demanded by Francesco Farioli.

In the Italian coach’s system, wingers have responsibilities off the ball: they must press, recover their position, and react immediately when possession is lost, helping the team stay high up the pitch and put the opponent under pressure. The Dragons’ coaching staff and performance department will monitor the new signing’s progress based on data relating to his physical condition and the way he responds to exertion. His integration will be carried out through a defined plan, with a progressive increase in workload and concrete targets, until Gabriel Mec reaches the competitive levels of the rest of his teammates.

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