Maxi Araújo was left wary by Sporting's requested change | OneFootball

Maxi Araújo was one of the main highlights of the green and white team in the Estoril - Sporting match, which the Lions won 1-0. Rui Borges even considered that the Uruguayan international was the man of the match, despite playing in the position he... likes the least.

According to the newspaper A Bola, it was the coach of the Alvalade club who convinced the 'number 20' to take on the role of protagonist on the green and white left flank, even though he feels much more comfortable as a wing-back or winger. However, by implementing a back four in the defensive sector, Rui Borges transformed the Uruguayan into a left-back with greater defensive balance, while still helping in the attacking movement.

The same source also reveals that the Lions’ coach had a conversation with Maxi at the start of the season, in which he convinced him to be a solution in defense, where he could have a decisive role in the Sporting team. Although he fits the coach’s ideas, this position also requires more physical effort, something the player had to deal with upon returning to competition.

The 25-year-old player has had a troubled start to the season, getting injured right in the first round of the championship, against Casa Pia. Since then, Ricardo Mangas became Rui Borges’ first choice for the green and white left flank, but with Maxi Araújo fully recovered, the spot has already returned to him.

This season, wearing the Sporting shirt, Maxi Araújo – valued at 17 million euros – has played only six matches. Over the 339 minutes he was used by Rui Borges, the Uruguayan international has not yet scored, but has already provided one assist.

Check out statements from Maxi Araújo:

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