Pietuszewski back in Porto’s starting XI for the big clash at the Luz | OneFootball

Everything indicates that Oskar Pietuszewski will return to FC Porto's starting eleven for the Sunday classic at Estádio da Luz, after having been a substitute in the Portuguese Cup match against Sporting. Francesco Farioli chose to manage the young Pole's physical condition at Alvalade, considering he had started three consecutive matches (Nacional, Rio Ave, and Arouca), opting instead to play the Brazilians Pepê and William Gomes on the wings.

The 17-year-old winger played just over 20 minutes, including stoppage time, and had few opportunities to stand out. The positive side was that he did not suffer any injuries and was able to recharge his energy for this decisive clash in the title race against Benfica. Currently considered the main game-changer in the FC Porto squad, Pietuszewski promises to be a key piece for Farioli as he tries to break through Benfica’s defense down the left flank.

Signed from Jagiellonia Bialystok in January, the Pole has become a pleasant surprise in the Dragons’ attack, already securing a spot in the starting eleven. As a starter away at Nacional, Pietuszewski showed boldness and won the corner that led to the winning goal, scored by Jan Bednarek.

A week later, in the home match against Rio Ave, he was even more decisive by assisting Victor Froholdt for the only goal of the game. To make his mark in FC Porto’s history, the youngster also scored the fastest goal ever at Estádio do Dragão, netting after just 13 seconds against Arouca, paving the way for victory.

The likelihood of Pietuszewski starting at Luz is reinforced by the fact that he cannot face Stuttgart in the Europa League next Thursday, as he is not registered with UEFA. With a less congested schedule, there will be no need to manage his minutes, allowing the coach to make the most of his physical abilities in the classic.

This will be the first time Pietuszewski takes the field against Benfica, as in the Portuguese Cup clash in mid-January and the league match against Sporting in February, he remained on the bench. In March, he made his debut in Portuguese classics at Alvalade and could repeat his appearance at Luz.

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