Pepe praises Pietuszewski: “He’s quick and works hard for the team” | OneFootball

Pepe, a former Portugal international and a historic figure at FC Porto, praised Oskar Pietuszewski in comments to Poland’s Eleven Sports ahead of the clash with Benfica. The former centre-back highlighted the young winger’s talent and commitment, but also offered advice on professionalism, responsibility, and rest, assuring: “He is quick and works hard for the team.”

Pepe’s remarks came before Pietuszewski’s return to competition after a muscle injury that had troubled him in recent weeks. Brought on by Francesco Farioli in the 84th minute of Sunday night’s 3-1 win over Benfica, the 18-year-old Polish attacker played his first minutes of the season and showed the potential described by the former Porto captain.

When outlining the profile of the Dragons’ number 77, Pepe began with the qualities that impress him most. His ability to use both feet goes hand in hand with his speed and constant willingness to work for the team.

“He is a very talented player who can play with his right foot and also with his left. He is quick and works hard for the team,” the former Portugal international began.

The praise was not limited to individual talent. In Pepe’s view, Pietuszewski’s quality is especially valuable because it comes with hard work for the team.

The former centre-back then went on to stress what is needed to maintain that level, insisting on the importance of daily repetition and discipline. He also acknowledged how well the young Pole has adapted since arriving midway through last season.

“Maintaining this level demands a lot from you. You have to do the same kind of work day after day, hour after hour. I think he is on the right path,” Pepe said. “He joined the team halfway through last season and adapted well. Polish players are very technically gifted. I was lucky enough to play against many Polish players. They are of very high quality. My advice for Oskar? That he keeps doing what he has been doing and that he is a 100% professional.”

The message is clear: talent opens the way, but consistency depends on the seriousness with which Pietuszewski approaches each day. Pepe sees positive signs, although he refuses to treat the winger’s development as something automatic.

The legendary centre-back, who ended his career in 2024, took his advice beyond the pitch. Without overlooking the attacker’s youth, he pointed to rest and responsibility as inseparable parts of a footballer’s life.

“He needs time to rest. He is still young and has to make the most of the fact that he is only 18 years old. He has to make his way with responsibility,” he stressed. “He is not a normal young man who, at his age, can go to the bar or the nightclub. After training, he has to stay at home and rest so that he is ready for the next day. He should continue on this path, because he is doing very well.”

More than a warning, it is a roadmap for growth: making the most of being 18 without losing sight of the obligations of a professional career. For Pepe, Pietuszewski is already heading in the right direction; the challenge is to stay on that path.

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