Luís Gonçalves backs Sporting No 10 staying: team would be weakened | OneFootball

Geny Catamo’s future at Sporting remains a topic of discussion, especially after Sunderland’s interest in the Mozambican winger. Luís Gonçalves, who worked with the player in the Mozambique national team, believes the international is crucial for the team right now.

"Without a doubt, Geny Catamo has been doing very well at the start of this season, already registering three assists in three games. Geny earned his place naturally. The fact that Trincão and Pote could leave, we’ll see about the latter, does not mean he will have more space. The fact is that, in this Sporting team, Geny Catamo is fundamental, he is invaluable to Rui Borges. He is a player who has reached footballing maturity and is in excellent form", he began by telling 'Notícias ao Minuto'.

The Portuguese coach also highlighted the winger’s development since the days when he was coached by Ruben Amorim: "Indeed, Geny Catamo has been evolving as a footballer, which is good. I remember that in the early stage, still under Ruben Amorim, he improved greatly on the defensive side, helping his team in defensive transitions and defensive organization. Being an explosive player with a powerful dribble who can also finish, he is now more refined when it comes to the final pass, finding teammates making penetrating runs into the final third. Hence the three assists this season. Over the years, Geny has continued to refine and improve technically. He is currently a much more complete player," he continued.

Although he admits that Geny may aspire to a move to England, Luís Gonçalves believes that, from a sporting point of view, Sporting would have a lot to lose with his departure: "Sporting, from the club’s, the team’s and the team’s objectives’ point of view, should naturally keep Geny Catamo. He is a key piece in the team’s play, especially in attacking terms, of course. But, on the other hand, there is also the issue of the player’s market value, there is the negotiating aspect. If Geny really leaves for the figures Sporting want, it would still be a good deal. The question that always arises is whether they have a replacement at the time. I believe Sporting’s scouting department is working in that direction, in coordination with the coaching staff, led by Rui Borges, and also with the president", he said.

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