For this match against Sporting, Ivo Vieira shaped his team in a 4-2-3-1 who adapted to a 5-4-1 in defensive situations. The first half was marked by two errors from both goalkeepers. Jovane Cabral brought danger in the defensive system of Vitoria, he is at the origin of the second goal of Sporting. As usual, Marcus Edwards has been precious, scoring the equalizing goal.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Joseph Amoah
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Ghana
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 26/06/1994
- Current Club: Vitória de Guimarães
- Career: Fetteh (Y), Vitória de Guimarães
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Preferred foot: Right
He has started his first match since his injury in August. He played in the midfield with Pepê bringing more density and impact to help the team out in defence and attack. He formed a good duo with Pepê, who was more focused on the first stage of play. Joseph Amoah with this freedom offered a support in the attacking play. When Vitória scored the 1-1, it was seen that Joseph Amoah anticipated well and was able to make a good interception by getting in front of his opponent, before eventually assisting a João Teixeira goal. At the defensive level, his presence and impact restrained the activity of Sporting during the game. He played well and showed good awareness to defend and attack, but his performance has been overshadowed by some moments where he lacked concentration and was too late in his challenges, leading to eventually being sent off after 75 minutes. Some errors can be explained by the lack of playing time this season.
Rating: B2
Pepê
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Portugal
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 20/05/1997
- Current Club: Vitória de Guimarães
- Career: SL Benfica (Y), Estoril (L), Vitória de Guimarães
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Secondary Position: Central Midifielder
- Preferred foot: Right
Pêpê had a very important role in this match. In defence, he needed to play between the two central defenders in order to form a 5-4-1, while he had an important role in possession as well, playing as a defensive midfielder to support the build-up. He offered the support to help in the first phase of the play, helping to defend and organize the attack. He tried to bring verticality with his passing ability (short and long passes) but with the lack of attacking support plus a lack of precision, it was difficult to bring danger for the 23-year-old Portuguese. In his defensive contribution, he showed some difficulty to manage the activity of Jovane Cabral, as the winger often tucked inside in possession which gave him a lot of space. Pêpê did not cope well in these situations and was often too late in the duels.
Rating: A2
Marcus Edwards
Player Profile:
- Nationality: England
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 03/12/1998
- Current Club: Vitória de Guimarães
- Career: Tottenham (Y), Norwich (L), Excelsior (L), Vitória de Guimarães
- Position: Right Winger
- Secondary Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Preferred foot: Left
Marcus Edwards played as a right winger in this match and was tasked to play in the halfspaces whenever Vitória were in possession in the defensive or midfield third. This allowed Marcus Edwards to be dangerous with his quick left foot in the final third.
His close ball control gives him the impact and precision to dominate and attack. He combines agility and speed to take advantage and drive the ball in the key areas to create danger. He varies his position, offering the widest position and bring speed in transition or also positioning between the lines with this capacity to accelerate and get past the defender on his first touch. He concludes his performance with the equalizing goal, he showed his awareness to attack the space in the area to score.
Marcus Edwards is a player who relies a lot on his technical ability. However, sometimes he can make an extra touch when it’s not needed which make him lose a promising attacking situation or put him in more complicated situations. He would be more efficient at times if he would play more simple.
Rating: A2
Target Scouting 