Rui Silva or Diogo Costa? After Mexico v Portugal, Beto picks No 1 | OneFootball

Beto Pimparel, former Sporting goalkeeper, believes that Diogo Costa remains the first choice for the National Team goal, saying that Rui Silva and José Sá are a level below Porto’s current keeper.

"Obviously, Diogo Costa, if fit, is the starter. Between Rui Silva and José Sá, I wouldn’t put either one ahead", he told Agência Lusa. The recent absence of the Dragons player due to injury has opened space for observations by the coaching staff, at a stage of preparation for the 2026 World Cup. In that context, Beto recalls that performances at club level do not always carry over to the national team: "We’ve had examples of goalkeepers and players who perform at a high level for their clubs and, for some reason, it is not the same with the national team".

Regarding Ricardo Velho, the former international praises the goalkeeper’s path: "On his own merit, Ricardo Velho has had a very fine journey. I don’t put anyone ahead as the second option". The final decision, he explains, will depend greatly on the coaching staff’s assessment and each player’s form at the time.

, also stressing that it is important that everyone "feels they have their importance" within the group.

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