Sporting CP struck gold with Pedro Goncalves - who is filling the void left by Bruno Fernandes' departure
Sporting CP fans have had to wait nearly two decades since seeing their beloved club win the Portuguese Primeira Liga title - but after an emphatic, unbeaten start to the current domestic campaign - orchestrated in a large part by new signing Pedro Goncalves - there is growing optimism that this could be the year that infamous drought comes to an end.
With 19 points from their opening 7 games, they are the only side yet to lose in the league this season - and with SL Benfica and FC Porto both slipping up already this campaign, their nearest challengers are currently SC Braga, who sit 4 points behind them in 2nd place.
Few would have fancied Sporting to mount a serious title challenge this season, a summer of shrewd transfer activity dwarfed by the business conducted by Lisbon rivals SL Benfica - but they have continued to impress week on week since their disappointing exit from the Europa League at the hands of LASK, and there is one player that has been particularly integral to that: Pedro ‘Pote’ Goncalves.
Goncalves, aged just 22, joined Sporting from Famalicao in the summer for 7 million euros after the Portugal U21 international experienced a fantastic first campaign in Portuguese football, 7 goals and 8 assists in 40 appearances an indication of a strong showing from a young midfielder.
Arriving at Famalicao from Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer having only earned one senior appearance in England - a 30 minute cameo versus Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup - little was known about Goncalves in Portugal, and whether he would make a considerable impact at the Primeira Liga newcomers was far from certain.
However, right from the onset his directness, his composure in possession and his decision making in tight spaces made him an instant fan favourite, and earned him admirers across the country. But at Sporting CP, he has taken his performances to an entirely new level, and has been instrumental in turning what was previously seen as a relatively average Sporting side into genuine title contenders.
Having missed the start of the season due to Covid-19 restrictions, he did not feature in Sporting’s disastrous 4-1 defeat to LASK, and was instead introduced against Portimonense in the second game of the league season. And though he failed to get on the scoresheet, there were bursts of quality on show that made it an encouraging debut to introduce himself to the Sporting faithful.
And he continued to improve from that point forth. Against champions Porto in the following game, though once more he failed to find the back of the net, he showed great energy as he made some strong runs to beat the offside trap and spring off the last man, while he played a significant role in Sporting’s late equaliser. It therefore felt like only a matter of time before he opened his account.
And he has done, in truly emphatic fashion. In his last 4 matches, Goncalves has contributed an extraordinary 7 goals - and 1 assist - as he has helped Sporting to narrow wins over Santa Clara and Gil Vicente, and thumping victories against Tondela and Vitoria Guimaraes.
With good speed, movement and creativity constantly on show, Goncalves has always looked like a top quality midfielder, but playing a more advanced role for Sporting has brought out the best in him, as he has not only proved an incredibly accomplished midfielder, but a clinical forward too, having already matched his highly respectable goals tally from last season 7 games into the new campaign, which is a remarkable achievement.
His goals have come in good variety too, be it efforts from tight angles, headers, tap-ins, long-range shots, runs off the last man… he provides variety, and always looks a threat.
His passing and vision has not been depleted by his newfound goalscoring prowess though, with his all-round game and his ability to occupy spaces and drift in and out of deep positions making him a genuine talent that must surely be closing in on a call-up to the senior national team.
Ultimately, things are looking highly encouraging for Sporting CP; there was major concern for their aspirations after they allowed Bruno Fernandes depart for Manchester United in a big-money move at the end of the January transfer window, and ultimately it did cost them 3rd place in the league standings and a place in this year’s Europa League. But now, they look like they are in equally good hands as they look to fulfil their lofty ambitions.
