Luís Avelãs says Sporting’s key man could lose his spot in the starting XI | OneFootball

Luís Avelãs believes that João Virgínia can threaten Rui Silva's starting position. The Portuguese international is currently Rui Borges' first choice, but after the mistake that led to Sporting's defeat in Naples, the expert points out "serious competition" in goal.

"Rui Silva left the goal to punch the ball, but misjudged the distance from the forward (or the trajectory of the cross) and that was fatal. Mistakes happen to everyone, but the usual starter now has serious competition, as João Virgínia performed well when he played and the coach hinted that he might give him the goal, even with Rui Silva fit," the expert warned, in the Record newspaper.

Asked whether Rui Borges was right to rotate the team, Luís Avelãs was direct: "He conducts the training, chooses the strategy, knows who needs more rest, and, of course, is aware of the upcoming match against Braga. But, let's be honest: the second round of the Champions League group stage is not the time to 'give away' opportunities," he said.

"Trusting other solutions is positive, but starting without Pote and Suárez is playing with fewer trump cards. It could have worked, it's true, but this was not the best path to success. Points were at stake that might be needed later on and, of course, also some euros that are always welcome in the Club's coffers," admitted Luís Avelãs.

This season, wearing the Sporting jersey, Rui Silva – valued at 7 million euros – has played seven matches. The Portuguese international missed three games due to physical unavailability, playing a total of 630 minutes, during which he conceded six goals.

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