Pablo Rosario on the move in Porto's midfield | OneFootball

Pablo Rosario is shaping up as the safest option to ensure continuity in FC Porto’s midfield against Arouca on Sunday. Alan Varela is still training under restrictions after missing the match in Vila do Conde through injury, a situation confirmed by Francesco Farioli in the build-up to the game. As such, the Dominican international is expected to remain in the starting eleven, also because of the way he has responded whenever called upon. It should be remembered that he started in the Super Cup final despite the Argentine being available.

Since arriving at the Dragão, Rosario has proved to be one of the most versatile players in the squad. Even so, his natural position is defensive midfield, a true number 6, capable of dropping deep alongside the centre-backs, winning back possession and providing quality in the first phase of build-up. Farioli, however, has been making use of other aspects of the player’s game.

Last season, the Dominican was used at right-back in the European opener against Salzburg, as the deepest-lying midfielder against Red Star, Nottingham Forest, Utrecht and Malmö, and also as a centre-back in the clash with Nice.

Leadership on the pitch

That versatility has made Pablo Rosario one of the coach’s most trusted options. In 2025/26, he featured in 40 matches for FC Porto, 28 of them as a starter, for a total of 2,863 minutes. He also scored two goals and provided one assist in all competitions, figures that highlight an influence extending beyond defensive duties.

Although he arrived at FC Porto later, coming from Nice, Rosario quickly adapted to the reality he found in Porto, growing in importance within the group. He is therefore a particularly valuable asset, both for his ability to perform different roles and for his contribution in the dressing room. On the pitch, he meets the demands of Farioli’s model, which is based on a quick and intense reaction after losing possession, as well as strong defensive organisation.

Arouca come to the Dragão with six points, five goals scored and none conceded in the first two rounds. Given this scenario, Farioli is expected to stick with Pablo Rosario. Even if Varela recovers in time, the Dominican midfielder apparently has the edge for a match that could have an immediate impact on the Liga lead.

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