Zeno Debast makes dramatic switch, Sporting chiefs left impressed | OneFootball

Zeno Debast has been making a real effort off the pitch, and this has not gone unnoticed by Sporting or Rui Borges at this stage of the season. The Belgian international has dedicated himself to the gym and has been building up his physique.

According to information revealed by the newspaper Record, the 'number 6' of the green and whites has made it his main goal to be better prepared for physical clashes with opponents and, since the start of the calendar year, he has already gained 3 kilos of muscle mass.

In addition to the noticeable technical/tactical improvements he made under Ruben Amorim and now Rui Borges, Debast decided to improve physically in order to acquire other skills necessary for Sporting’s style of play. It was shortly after the holidays—and before the team returned to the Academy—that the Belgian began working under the supervision of fitness coach Francisco Martins, who has been following the player since his arrival at Alvalade. The player reportedly began focusing on specific physical training to improve various aspects, such as his leap.

The reality is that, in the first six rounds of Liga Portugal Betclic, this work is reflected in the numbers. The 21-year-old player has an average of four headed clearances per game, which is well above the 2024/25 season (0.5). Debast also has better tackle success (83.3% compared to 72.9%).

At the start of this season, Zeno Debast—valued at 30 million euros—has already played eight official matches for Sporting. The ‘number 6’ for the Lions has, so far, recorded 524 minutes of play, but still without any goals or assists to his name.

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