Some say Sporting players don’t get Rui Borges’ tactics yet | OneFootball

Fernando Mendes commented on the changes in Sporting's attacking front and Rui Borges' choices for the same

Fernando Mendes was invited to comment on the changes in Sporting's attacking front for this season, especially with the additions of Luis Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis, who took the places left at Alvalade by Viktor Gyokeres and Conrad Harder, being particularly pleased with the Colombian.

"I admit I didn't know the player, despite the 31 goals scored last season for Almeria [2nd division of Spain]. He is proving to be a pleasant surprise and allows Sporting to play in a more collective way in attack," he begins by saying, in statements to Desporto ao Minuto.

Next, the former Alvalade Club player spoke about the main differences between the two forwards: "Gyokeres was a find. During the two seasons he was here, he won games on his own. It was 50 or more goals per season. If Luis Suárez could imitate that, it would be a sign that Sporting was almost always close to victories. No one puts that pressure on him. He has distinct characteristics. Luis Suárez is similar in pressing work, but loses physically, not because he is fragile, but because Gyokeres was impressive in that aspect."

Having just debuted for Sporting, Fotis Ioannidis was also signed to strengthen the lions' attacking front this season, something Fernando Mendes believes can bear fruit: "He is physically strong and could form a good partnership with Luis Suárez, once both understand better the ideas of coach Rui Borges. The bet on two forwards doesn't surprise me, as it will be necessary throughout the season, especially in the league games played at Alvalade. In most cases, teams present low blocks and alternatives are needed to 'break' those walls."

Finally, the former player praised Pote: "Gyokeres was so good that the team immediately put the ball forward because, there it is, he solved the games on his own. This year is different. Pedro Gonçalves likes to be involved in interior areas, with various linking plays. Everyone has the mission to score goals and we are seeing a version of 'Pote' similar to the one we saw in the 2020/21 season, in which he became the top scorer [23 goals]. I believe he can repeat that feat, he is an excellent player with above-average finishing ability."

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