Javi Gracia warns Rui Borges, says player close to Sporting is special | OneFootball

Javi Gracia approves Sporting’s move for Nestory Irankunda and believes Alvalade could be the ideal destination for the young winger’s development. The Spanish coach worked with the Australia international at Watford last season and has nothing but praise for the 20-year-old player.

"Without wanting to be overly complimentary, I’d say he is a different kind of player, a player with tremendous potential, outstanding physical qualities, not to mention, of course, the speed he brings to every movement. On top of that, he has shooting ability and strikes the ball with great power at goal. He truly makes the difference. He is a game-changer in one-on-one situations," he said.

Javi Gracia compared Irankunda to Crysencio Summerville, whom he also worked with at Leeds, and highlighted the Australian’s versatility. "They are players with very similar characteristics," he explained, adding that Sporting’s target "can play in various attacking positions", including behind the striker or as the most advanced reference point.

The Spaniard also praised the winger’s attitude on a daily basis. "He is someone who likes to work, accepts the advice we give him, and you can tell he wants to grow and become better every day," he said, believing that Sporting have the experience and conditions to develop talented young players.

"He already shows unusual maturity, he is a mature kid, with the quality to succeed in any team," concluded Javi Gracia. The former Watford coach has no doubts that Irankunda has "enormous room for improvement" and could reach even greater heights during his career.

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