Sporting find new gem in Alcochete, Rui Borges opens first-team door | OneFootball

Sporting used the international break to play a friendly against Atlético at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy and came away with a 1-0 win. With several absences, Rui Borges turned to academy players and ultimately found in Paulo Cardoso the solution to decide the match. The 20-year-old winger, who plays for the B team, scored the only goal of the game.

Also known as “Kanal,” the young Cape Verdean has been making a name for himself since arriving at the Lions. Last season, playing for the reserve side, he featured in 29 Liga 2 matches, contributing five goals and two assists.

Paulo Cardoso arrived at Alvalade last season after playing for Estrela da Amadora, where he spent the previous six months before joining the Lions. The move into Portuguese football came at a time when he was still trying to adapt to the demands of European football, but the winger quickly began showing traits that drew attention within the Academy. He is currently valued at €1.8 million.

On the pitch, the player stands out above all for his pace, agility and ability to beat opponents one-on-one. He usually starts on the left, cutting inside onto his right foot, looking to move into central areas to finish or create danger through low passes into the box.

Paulo Cardoso’s progress has already earned him opportunities to work with the first team. After starting the season hampered by an injury, the winger returned to training and has been monitored by Rui Borges, who has now given him minutes in the friendly against Atlético. The goal scored in that match is therefore another sign of the growth of a young player looking to earn his place.

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