Judging by the team selection, the half-time substitutions, and overall approach in their last-16 first leg clash with Atalanta, the Europa League might not be Rúben Amorim’s absolute priority for Sporting this season.
Given they are top of the Liga Portugal by a point and have a domestic cup semi-final second leg against Benfica to play next month, perhaps that’s not the biggest surprise at this stage. But on the other hand, it certainly raises a question mark over Amorim’s ambitions at a time when he is coveted by many of Europe’s top clubs, in most of the top divisions.
A Portuguese league and cup double would of course be a great silverware haul to have on the CV at a potential juncture in his career, but there’s also an argument that some top teams, some top leagues, might see progress in Europe as a bigger marker of his quality on the touchline.
In drawing 1-1 at home with Atalanta, it allows the balance of the tie to be firmly with the Italians – who should have won across 90 minutes anyway, in truth. Three times they were denied by the woodwork – once too Sporting were – and a series of late interventions and goalkeeper saves kept the score down after a very bright start from the hosts. Even so, five shots in the game, one big chance, four corners and eight touches in the opposition box were all way down on Atalanta’s tallies in each category.
And yet there’s reason behind being second best on the night: First-choice goalkeeper Antonio Adán is injured, top scorer Viktor Gyökeres was left on the bench, key starters Pedro Gonçalves and Gonçalo Inácio weren’t even in the matchday squad. Gyökeres entered at half time, along with regular midfield starter Morten Hjulmand, but otherwise this was a mix of squad players and fringe options: Paulinho started up front and scored a great opener, but has made seven league starts this term. The assist for the goal was a wonderful through pass from Trincão, who has made the same number.
Amorim’s decision now will be over whether to keep a Europa League team in place for the second leg, or go for victory at full strength and perhaps open a path to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen in the latter stages – and highlight his own tactical proficiencies and committment to silverware for anybody watching on.
Their regular setup certainly suggests they have the balance of organisation and attacking power to trouble Atalanta.
In their 3-5-2, Sebastian Coatés anchors the defence with mobile, ball-playing options either side of him. Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita present a combative midfield duo who can drive forward in possession. And further forward, each of Paulinho, Gonçalves and Gyökeres average at least 0.74 goals or assists per 90. Among them, Gonçalves has long been a sought-after talent and is now aged 25, on the cusp of ten goals and ten assists in league play once more.
But it’s Swedish striker Gyokeres who has taken the biggest steps after signing from Coventry in summer on a club record deal worth up to €24m. 18 league goals in 22 games is impressive enough, but add in eight assists – four in one game – and he comfortably leads the Primeira with a combined tally of 26 goal contributions. In FotMob’s player traits chart, he ranks in the 93rd percentile for goals scored, the 95th for touches and the 99th for chances created, underlining both his incredible campaign so far and his massive importance for the team.
The 19-cap international, who turns 26 in summer, has quickly found himself linked with Champions League regulars in some of Europe’s top few leagues, while he has also promised to reveal the long-guarded secrets behind his hands-over-the-mouth goal celebration if Sporting win the title.
That, at least, looks highly possible. Sporting have won nine and drawn one in their last ten, have a 100 per cent home record this term and host Benfica in early April before travelling to Porto later that month. Of course they’ll need consistency in other matches too but they are seven points clear of Porto and one clear of Benfica, who they beat in the cup semi-final first leg recently – and have a game in hand over both. Importantly, they also score far more than both their rivals, suggesting that even on an off-day, they have the firepower to maintain their title charge.
Not as possession-oriented as Porto perhaps, and not as defensively mean as Benfica. But Sporting do have the excitement and individuality in their team, the goalscorers and some decent depth to make them very hard to stop. And maybe, if Amorim goes all-in on that second leg against Atalanta, the all-round quality to challenge on three fronts this year.
(Image from IMAGO)
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