Portrait of a team having fun on the field without losing competence. Franco Israel (finally tested), Rafael Pontelo trembled but didn’t fall and the… usual suspects. Total dominance of a team that plays with its eyes closed. In all its versions
Gyokeres was once again decisive with two more goals in the victory over Tondela
Best of the match: Gyokeres (8)
King. A crown that fits him perfectly since he arrived in Alvalade. If this lion is domineering, suffocating at times, dynamic and creative, much of it owes to the dedication of this striker who never stops at intentions. He runs, fights, creates and unbalances and is decisive in almost all of his actions. Currently, he is the one who attracts opponents and, as a result, opens up spaces for other front partners. Yesterday, another example of this, the way he gained space on the right aisle in the construction of the first goal, the coolness with which he scored the third (with a beautiful header) and the fourth, full of opportunity, taking advantage of a bad delay by Mezenga . Alvalade bowed (once again) to his great figure with a new brilliant display.
Franco Israel (7)
Big. Finally, in what was his 8th game of the season, probably his best defense. Coldly, after just 8 minutes, avoiding a well-placed shot from Rui Gomes, with the ball still hitting the woodwork. Being a team goalkeeper… great, as he was decisive in the Lions’ only mistake. He once again proved that he can be a solution. As soon as the technician understands.
Neto (6)
Determined. Without making it easy. Very attentive to the movements of Xavier and Cuba, bold in many cuts and recoveries, a game guided by regularity, without exposing himself to mistakes.
Gonçalo Inácio (6)
Enlightened. Without needing to accelerate too much, competent play, filling the central space well. He was not forced to do forced labor and performed it perfectly. With total serenity. And competence.
Rafael Pontelo (5)
Rookie. 23 days ago he was fighting in Vila Verde to avoid defeat against Leixões in League 2. Yesterday he was the starting option for the leader of the League. A giant, tremendous leap, which did not avoid clear signs of nervousness from the Brazilian, in the first intervention, when he lost to Rui Gomes who sent the ball into the woodwork. He trembled but didn’t fall, he grew in the game (and in confidence) and stood out in aerial duels, offensive audacity (he risked a shot at 35′ outside the area) without compromising anymore. He left at half-time but already felt the demands of this new stage.
Ricardo Esgaio (6)
Genuine. Whatever the opponent. He may not make the best decisions, but he shows up, harasses his opponents, puts pressure on him, never gives up. A faithful squire for an entire team who appears to avoid problems. Yesterday, especially in the final stage, he was in good shape.
Bragança (7)
Beautiful. The seductive way in which he handles the ball, drives and transports it, was fundamental in the dynamics imposed by the lion in his best moments. In which the midfielder was always present. With a decisive role in Pedro Gonçalves’ second goal, he took advantage of Léo’s bad pass to assist his central partner and, on the retina, there was still a bomb (20′) for a very tight defense by the Beirões keeper.
Pedro Gonçalves (8)
Illustrious. Guess who’s back? That decisive player, with a goal, distinguished in the art of finishing. Pedro Gonçalves, of course. This time playing in the center of the field, with discretion, intelligence and perfect driving combined with feline instinct in finishing. Two goals, moments of beautiful execution in driving, a performance reminiscent of the best version of him. And it was only 45 minutes because he was ‘resting’ in the locker room in the second half.
Nuno Santos (7)
Punisher. He always seems to be the one who doesn’t call anyone to do justice with zeal and great rigor. He always wants to seize the game, take the lead, with precision and strokes of genius that surprise. He was involved in designing the first goal, assisted for the third (a cross for Gyokeres) and signed many other beautiful shots.
Trincao (8)
Funny. The happiness on the left-footed player’s face as soon as he got the first cross suggested a ‘good night’. And we were not mistaken. Very active, inventive with the ball, hardworking without it, looking for the goal (and he was very close to scoring at 26′ and 87’…), without ever disconnecting from the team.
Paulinho (6)
Titanic. In the combative spirit, offensive and defensive work, courage with which he goes head-to-head with his opponents. However, he once again failed in terms of effectiveness, as he could not have left this game blank, given how many opportunities he had (9 ‘, 24’ 90 ‘…). The only time he scored (a very well designed move) he was in an irregular position and it didn’t count.
Substitutes
Wheelman (7)
Consistent. More assertive in the quality of his passing, powerful in duels, effective in filling space. He came off the bench to start a second half without any slip-ups.
Matheus Reis (6)
Timed. He seems to be one of those who best knows Amorim’s ideas. Always well placed, setting the right timings when leaving, a smooth night.
Coates (6)
Returned. Almost a month later, the captain returned to adding minutes in a game that did not require much wear and tear. He complied and did not compromise.
Afonso Moreira (5)
Responsible. Playing for the team, dynamic, with good movements, bringing some spark back to the team in the final moments.
I exude (5)
Resilient. Notorious desire to show, he ran a lot, with some recoveries. More cautious in entries, more effective in actions.
2024-01-09 21:27:00
#Sporting #Highlights #imperial #lion #bows #king #Gyokeres #Abola.pt #Abola.pt
