21-year-old left-back is Rui Borges' pick to plug Sporting's gaps | OneFootball

Rodrigo Dias will be called up by Rui Borges for Sporting’s league opener against Estrela da Amadora. The 21-year-old left-back is expected to start on the bench, serving as an option for the defensive flank.

Rui Borges is expected to adapt Iván Fresneda to the left side of the defense, a role the Spaniard already performed last season, while Georgios Vagiannidis will occupy the right flank. Rodrigo Dias will remain on standby and could make his official debut for the first team.

At Sporting since the age of 5, the defender completed the entire pre-season as part of the first-team squad. Versatile, he can play on both flanks, although he is currently the only natural left-back working with the professional side at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy.

Rodrigo Dias was one of the most consistent performers for the B team in 2025/26, recording one goal and two assists in 30 matches. After the opening round, he is expected to return to the reserve side, now coached by Tiago Fernandes, but he will continue to be closely monitored by Rui Borges.

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