Starred in the Champions, but Sporting darling told off: “Lacks focus” | OneFootball

Eduardo Quaresma was one of Sporting’s standout figures in the 3-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League. The centre-back delivered a top-level performance and once again received praise from Rui Borges, who even admitted he could see him in contention for the national team.

Speaking to the newspaper A Bola, Beto Severo, a former Sporting centre-back, analyzed that exact scenario. “It is a coach recognizing a professional’s work, acknowledging that he is improving, but Rui Borges himself has already said that if he has more focus and is more consistent, Eduardo Quaresma is a different kind of centre-back. It was a positive boost for the player."

Against the Turkish side, Quaresma posted virtually flawless numbers. He completed 36 of the 37 passes he attempted, for a 97% success rate, won all six of his tackles and also made five clearances, helping Sporting better control Galatasaray’s transitions.

Beto Severo has known the centre-back since his academy days and points to one specific area that could make the difference in the player’s development. “I’ve known Eduardo for a few years now, since the academy, and what I have always felt is that, at times, he lacks concentration, he needs to be more focused."

The former Lions player then reinforced the need to maintain this level for longer. “He needs to be more consistent, that will make him a much better player. Against Galatasaray he put in a huge performance, now he needs that consistency in his work and regularity in his displays."

Rui Borges, for his part, went even further after the European match. “I have no doubt that he will be in the frame to play for the national team. He started the first league matches, played very well, and came out by choice, purely for strategic reasons, not because of anything related to his quality. Personally, regardless of being a coach, I’m a big fan of him and he knows that,” said Sporting’s manager.

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