Rui Silva is No 1, but warned by Sporting chiefs: “If he slips…” | OneFootball

Jota Garcês believes Rui Silva deserves to remain Sporting’s first-choice goalkeeper Sporting, but he issues a warning: Kaique Pereira will not give up until he earns the spot. The Machico midfielder knows both goalkeepers well, having played alongside them at Nacional.

Speaking to the newspaper O Jogo, the player began by highlighting the development of Rui Silva. “Before, he was physically stronger; today, he is much more agile, and his footwork has also improved. Everyone makes mistakes at some point, but he has already been through that and bounced back — he is a player who gives the team peace of mind."

Jota Garcês also highlighted the human qualities and the journey of the current man between Sporting’s posts. “Even back then, you could tell he had everything it takes to be a goalkeeper of a very high level, and I’m happy for him. I still speak with him, he’s still the same person, we’re friends, he never changed, he’s incredibly humble.”

Speaking about Kaique Pereira, the midfielder recalled the impact made by the Brazilian at Nacional. “Kaique Pereira is still in a process of transformation; he is a goalkeeper with real quality. He works, like Rui Silva, at maximum intensity during the week. He impressed us when he arrived because he never wanted to stop, he always wanted to train at full intensity.”

Despite the young player’s potential, Jota Garcês believes Sporting’s hierarchy is, for now, well defined. “At this moment, Rui is the number one goalkeeper, that’s where he has to be, and Kaique has to earn his place. If Rui leaves one day, Kaique can be Sporting’s number one.”

Even so, the former teammate of both goalkeepers believes the competition could benefit Rui Silva. “Kaique will not stop until he becomes first choice, he has that inside him, and he will keep working. It will be good for Rui not to feel too comfortable, and to know he has an alternative behind him if he lets his level drop."

Jota Garcês ended by predicting a healthy battle for Sporting’s goal. “Kaique has to wait; ahead of him is a goalkeeper who has already proved himself, an international, and a champion with Sporting. Rui Silva is still young for a goalkeeper and, with the way he looks after himself, he still has many years at the top ahead of him — it will be a good battle,” he concluded.

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