Pepê’s versatility gives Porto security when dropping deep | OneFootball

The classic Portuguese Cup match against Sporting brought back recent memories: nights when Pepê’s versatility led him, more often than he would like, to play as a right-back. Trained and envisioned to be a winger, it’s in this more advanced position that the Brazilian feels most comfortable.

Farioli fully trusts number 11 and knows that, in more demanding matches, he can delegate delicate tasks to him. At Alvalade, with no natural right-back available on the bench (Martim was still unavailable), the Italian coach considered it risky to keep Alberto on after an intense first half and a yellow card that left him exposed.

That’s how FC Porto changed its structure: Pepê dropped back to the defensive line and once again took over the right flank. In that role, he made two decisive clearances inside the box, showing a sense of timing, game reading, and controlled aggression. However, he also ended up influencing Sporting’s 1-0 by committing the foul that led to the free kick (he handled the ball), and in the continuation of the play, due to Fofana’s foul on Hjulmand. From the penalty spot, Luis Suárez didn’t miss and put the Lions ahead in the first leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-final.

Even with that mistake weighing on his record, Pepê reaffirmed why he is one of the players Farioli trusts most, despite his offensive numbers being far from those recorded at the start of the season. His ability to react to losing the ball, to close inside, and to protect the defensive line provides a security that, for example, William Gomes still does not offer. His compatriot is more focused on breaking the balance and one-on-ones, and at Alvalade spent much of the game causing problems for Maxi Araújo, but without the same defensive instinct.

Adapted to the right wing by Sérgio Conceição, especially in 2022/23, Pepê turned this versatility into a trademark. That season, he played in 55 matches, including the Portuguese Cup final, and was named player of the year at the Dragões de Ouro, despite his offensive profile. The ease with which he transitions between lines—closing inside as a midfielder, playing as a winger, or dropping back to full-back—has made him a versatile solution for different situations.

It’s this combination of skills that keeps him as a central figure. While his direct influence on goals is no longer as high as William Gomes’s, number 11 makes up for it with a remarkable defensive rate—essential when the team is forced back and the opponent exploits the flanks. Between his love of attacking and the obligation to defend, Pepê remains the player who connects everything—even when, in a single play, he shows both the best and worst of his craft.

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