Pepê’s influence goes beyond goals, winning over the Porto boss | OneFootball

Pepê has become a key player for FC Porto under the management of Francesco Farioli, and the statistics confirm his importance to the blue and white team.

The 28-year-old winger has started in 29 matches this season, making him the most utilized forward by the Italian coach. Only three players in the squad have more starts: Diogo Costa (32), Victor Froholdt (30), and Jan Bednarek (30). Among the forwards, he surpasses Samu (27) and Borja Sainz (25), although the Spaniard, who came from Norwich, has two more games in total.

The Brazilian international missed only three of the 35 matches played by the Dragons in 2025/26; two of them – against Casa Pia and Sporting, in the 3rd and 4th rounds of the championship – were due to an eye injury. The only absence by technical decision was during the home game against Estoril, in the 12th round, which Porto won 1-0.

Beyond goals Pepê's influence goes beyond offensive production: Farioli values the pressure the player puts on opponents, his defensive commitment, and tactical intelligence, qualities that have earned public praise. In the preview of the second-round classic against Sporting (1-1), the coach said: «I have already said that, often, when we celebrate a defensive performance, we credit the defenders but forget the work of the forwards. The most important thing is to be able to create good scoring opportunities and not concede chances. Who puts the ball in the back of the net doesn't matter. The most important thing is to generate and not concede. I am very grateful for the work Borja Sainz and Pepê have done since the beginning of the season. They have carried a great weight on their shoulders during many games. Regarding them, my words are only of gratitude.»

One step away from matching 2024/25 In terms of goals and assists, Pepê has three goals and six decisive passes this season. He hasn't scored in over two months – the last goal was in the Portuguese Cup tie against Famalicão (4-1) – and hasn't celebrated in the League since the first two rounds, against Vitória de Guimarães (3-0) and Gil Vicente (2-0). Last season, he recorded six goals and four assists; he needs one more direct contribution to match that total.

On Sunday, against Rio Ave (8:30 PM), Pepê is expected to start for the 11th consecutive match in the League.

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