Porto loanee Vonic starts and scores for Moreirense: “Not easy to mark” | OneFootball

Leonardo Vonic made his first start for Moreirense and scored against Marítimo in the last round, confirming the immediate impact of a centre-forward on loan from FC Porto. At 23, the striker is emerging as a solution with his own characteristics among the Cónegos, with outside references underlining his ability to link play and finish. Bruno Rodrigues experienced his difficulties firsthand and assured: “He’s not an easy striker to mark.”

The goal on his first start put Leonardo Vonic in the spotlight at a Moreirense side that has already secured a purchase option worth €1.25 million for the end of the season. A Germany U19 and Croatia U20 international, the striker presents himself as a distinct alternative to Alexandre Parsemain and Yan Maranhão, above all in the way he forces centre-backs to deal with different areas and moments of the game.

Bruno Rodrigues, the Chaves centre-back who faced Vonic in a few matches last season, recalled a striker “with quality” in his movement. In the defender’s reading, the forward’s physical stature does not exhaust what he offers the team.

“He knows how to play with his back to goal, hold up the ball, create space, keep moves flowing and finish well,” the Chaves defender argued.

The former Portugal youth international went beyond his presence in link-up play and also highlighted Vonic’s ability to find solutions in tight spaces.

“He plays well with both feet and has the knack for finding space and finishing with some ease. He’s not an easy striker to mark,” the former Portugal youth international further emphasized.

The picture drawn by Bruno Rodrigues points to a striker who can pin down centre-backs but also create play for those around him. His first start, crowned with a goal, gave practical expression to those qualities.

Nenê, formerly of Aves SAD, also knows the Moreirense environment and saw Vonic play for the Dragons. The impression left by the striker was equally positive, this time with the focus on what he can add inside the box and in runs into space.

“He’s a striker who has a presence in the box but also attacks depth, and he’s a good finisher,” he highlighted.

Between his ability to hold up the ball and his threat in behind, Vonic offers a less predictable profile for opposing defences. His first goal as a starter for Moreirense reinforced that idea.

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