Bruno Ferandes insists transfer target Viktor Gyokeres is not the only Sporting star clubs should be keeping a watchful eye on.
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, despite the imminent return to full fitness of Jurrien Timber and the decisions to extend the contract of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White.
Fernandes, a former Sporting captain, has noted the prolific exploits of Gyokeres this season but believes his goals have overshadowed the performances of his teammates.
‘Gyokeres is one of them, he’s scored a lot of goals,’ the current Manchester United star said when asked with Sporting players could thrive in England.
‘But I think Pedro Goncalves has shown great dynamics over the years. This season is probably the one in which he’s played best, but as his numbers have dropped since the first season.
‘He’s created a very high standard of goals and assists, so the pressure on him is very high.
‘However, I think that Pote has been more influential in the team’s play now than he was when Sporting were champions and he scored a lot of goals.’
He added: ‘This confidence that the coach has in Trincao means that he’s back to being the player he was when he left Braga for Barcelona.
‘Obviously, Gyokeres scoring so many goals means that he sometimes falls by the wayside. Inácio has grown enormously and part of that is down to being in the national team and playing.
‘Coates is always the pendulum in that defence because of his experience and his ability to be calm in difficult moments. The two in midfield… I love Sporting’s midfield.
‘I love Morita and Hjulmand. They’re two vital players in Sporting’s game, especially when they have to have more of the ball and be more tactically organised.’
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