Pepê still matters at FC Porto, but ends with his lowest goal tally | OneFootball

A Pepê kind of season. For better and for worse, Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa, better known in football as Pepê, completed yet another season in FC Porto’s service, his fifth in a row, marked by the traits that throughout this period have kept him a regular presence in the Dragons’ starting eleven: strong technical ability, a knack for creating imbalances in one-on-one situations, and a wholehearted spirit that makes him an effective attacking option and also a relevant figure in defensive moments.

The 29-year-old Brazilian was, from day one, one of FC Porto coach Farioli’s preferred options, holding off the fierce competition brought by William Gomes. While his young compatriot stood out greatly for the 13 goals he scored, Pepê once again showed his usefulness through a consistency that troubles opponents and leaves his teammates – and others besides – convinced of his value.

“Pepê is very important, he has played great games, made great sprints, recoveries, defended with intensity, he is an attacking player with talent and we need his goals and assists. He is a top player and he deserves it, he is an excellent lad,” said Farioli on one of the occasions when he spoke about his player, back in January. Unlike what happened under Vítor Bruno and, above all, Sérgio Conceição, for the Italian coach Pepê was almost always an exclusive option for the right side of the attack. It was a continuity the winger benefited from, having in other seasons also often been used at right-back or even on the left, although he still has not been able to completely erase what remains his biggest weakness: his finishing in front of the opposition goal and, at times, the final pass.

The season’s numbers

The Brazilian ended the season with four goals, his lowest tally since arriving in Invicta, along with six assists. Of those personal celebrations, three came in the Primeira Liga and the other in the Portuguese Cup. Those are numbers that can still improve, an opinion shared not only by the fans but also by the pundits.

“I always tell him: with the quality you have, if you had better numbers… It’s something I’m very critical with him about, because with the quality he has, he should be smashing them into the net. For me, he’s a player on another level,” said, for example, Gabri Veiga in a recent interview. The confidence of his teammates in the Brazilian’s qualities is widespread, as is the recognition of his contribution to the team.

That is also Victor Froholdt’s view, who after the visit to Estoril in the 29th round, a match FC Porto won 3-1 and in which the Brazilian scored one of the goals, made a point of handing him the man of the match award: “I want to give this award to Pepê, who played a very good game. People are not aware of how good he is.”

Pepê’s recognition in the blue-and-white universe may not be complete, but within the group there is no doubt that few players are as useful as the Brazilian, thanks to the impact of work that is often invisible to those on the outside, but vital for those out on the pitch.

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