Pablo Rosario hits the road in Porto's midfield | OneFootball

Pablo Rosario is shaping up as the safest option to ensure continuity in FC Porto’s midfield against Arouca on Sunday. Alan Varela is still training under restrictions after missing the match in Vila do Conde due to injury, a situation confirmed by Francesco Farioli in the build-up to the game. As such, the Dominican international is expected to remain in the starting eleven, also because of the way he has responded whenever called upon. It should be remembered that he started in the Super Cup final, even though the Argentine was available.

Since arriving at the Dragão, Rosario has proven to be one of the most versatile players in the squad. Even so, his natural position is defensive midfield, a true number 6, capable of dropping alongside the centre-backs, winning the ball back, and providing quality in the first phase of build-up play. Farioli, however, has made use of other aspects of the player’s game.

Last season, the Dominican was used as a right-back in the European opener against Salzburg, as the deepest-lying midfielder against Red Star, Nottingham Forest, Utrecht and Malmö, and also as a centre-back in the clash with Nice.

Leadership on display

That versatility has turned Pablo Rosario into one of the coach’s most trusted options. In 2025/26, he played 40 matches for FC Porto, 28 as a starter, for a total of 2,863 minutes. He also scored two goals and provided one assist across all competitions, figures that highlight an influence that goes beyond defensive duties.

Although he arrived at FC Porto later, coming from Nice, Rosario quickly adapted to the reality he found in Invicta, gaining importance within the group. He is therefore an especially valuable piece, both for his ability to perform different roles and for his contribution in the dressing room. On the pitch, he meets the demands of Farioli’s model, which is based on a quick and intense reaction after losing the ball, as well as strong defensive organisation.

Arouca travel to the Dragão with six points, five goals scored and none conceded in the first two matchdays. Given this scenario, Farioli is expected to stick with Pablo Rosario. Even if Varela recovers in time, the Dominican midfielder apparently has the edge for a match that could have an immediate impact on the Liga leadership.

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