João Simões or Morita? Rui Borges decides Sporting’s midfield starter | OneFootball

Rui Borges now has more options at his disposal, giving him the flexibility to adjust the team to the demands of each opponent. In the Classic against Porto, he chose to start Hidemasa Morita in place of João Simões, justifying the decision with the Japanese player’s better physical condition. The same choice is expected to be repeated against Famalicão, at Alvalade.

Throughout the season, marked by several injuries, the Japanese player lost ground to the 19-year-old youngster, who brought new energy to the midfield during a delicate phase for the team. Even so, the Japanese player was used cautiously, receiving special attention to avoid further muscle problems.

In the match at Estádio do Dragão, where an intense and physical game was anticipated, the ‘number 5’ responded positively. His performance reinforced the idea that he could play a relevant role in the final stretch of the season, even though he is in the last year of his contract.

At 30 years old, the Japanese international – who was on Ajax’s target list – wants to secure a place at the World Cup and knows he needs to play regularly at the Alvalade club to remain in Japan’s call-ups, with matches against Scotland and England in the UK at the end of March.

This 2025/26 sports season, wearing the Sporting shirt, Hidemasa Morita – valued at 9 million euros – has played 30 matches. The footballer has played a total of 1,455 minutes, during which he assisted his teammates on two occasions.

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