Player Amorim wanted to take from Sporting is untouchable for Rui Borges | OneFootball

Iván Fresneda has gone from being a player available for transfer to an untouchable figure at Sporting. The 21-year-old Spanish right-back has started the new season with an enhanced status and is now seen by the club’s hierarchy as one of the squad’s most important assets, following a remarkable turnaround under Rui Borges.

Before the arrival of the coach from Trás-os-Montes, the picture was very different. Fresneda never managed to establish himself consistently in Ruben Amorim’s playing model and even came close to leaving, having been in talks with Como. His limited game time and difficulties adapting to the three-centre-back system put the Spaniard in a delicate position within the squad.

The change began with Rui Borges. The coach found a way to bring out the best in the former Valladolid player, giving him back a role closer to the one he had always played throughout his career. With greater responsibilities as a classic right-back, Iván Fresneda gained confidence, consistency and importance within the team.

The improvement was clear throughout last season. In addition to his defensive consistency, the Spain under-21 international also began to stand out for his reading of the game, aggression in duels and ability to perform different tactical roles. That growth was also reflected in his playing time, as he became one of the most-used players in Sporting’s squad.

But it was not only on the pitch that Fresneda gained influence. The Spaniard earned his place in the Sporting dressing room thanks to his professionalism, team spirit and work ethic. Internally, he is seen as one of the squad’s emerging voices and one of the players with the profile to take on leadership responsibilities in the coming years.

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