Rui Borges wants Sporting to sign a player unafraid to foul | OneFootball

Sergi Altimira is preparing to take on a greater role of responsibility in Sporting’s new-look midfield. After Morten Hjulmand’s departure to Atlético Madrid, Rui Borges sees the Spaniard as a potential leader in that area and is already working on adapting him to the team’s needs.

The Sporting coach does not intend, however, to turn the number 5 shirt into a copy of the former captain. Rui Borges recognizes that the two midfielders have different characteristics and wants to maximize Altimira’s qualities, while also helping him improve in the aspects considered essential to command the middle of the pitch.

The player himself has already said he is ready to embrace the mission. “I’m prepared to take on the role,” he recently told Sporting TV, showing himself motivated to grow in importance in a team that underwent several changes during the summer transfer window.

One of Rui Borges’s main demands is greater aggression in duels. At 1.88 meters and 80 kilos, Altimira is expected to make better use of his physical ability to win back possession and help Sporting control the midfield, an area in which Hjulmand posted stronger numbers.

The coach also wants the Spaniard to play with less fear of committing fouls, especially when they are necessary to stop opposition transitions. Sergi Altimira is also expected to make better use of his body to shield the ball, resist pressure and win fouls in key areas.

This development will allow Sporting’s other midfielder to play in a more advanced role on the pitch. Issa Doumbia, Silas Andersen, Pedro Lima or Daniel Bragança, should he remain at Alvalade, could benefit from the greater security offered by the Spaniard in deeper areas.

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