When the 2019/20 campaign ended, Bruno Fernandes finished as Sporting Lisbon’s top scorer.
A remarkable feat considering the Portuguese star left the club in January, but it also highlighted the huge hole Fernandes left when he joined Manchester United at the start of the year. It represented a mighty task in trying to replace him.
While Fernandes was continuing to shine in Manchester, Sporting were left licking their wounds wondering what they had lost. Eight months on, Sporting discovered their potential solution, an exciting, talented up and coming replacement.
Now we’re in January 2021, Sporting Lisbon have suddenly forgotten about Fernandes’ departure and replaced him with a new star, Pedro Gonçalves. In August Sporting snapped up young midfielder Pedro Goncalves from Famalicao, and the results have been spectacular.
The club sit four points ahead at the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, mounting a surprise title challenge and much of that sudden success is down to the thrilling recruitment of Gonçalves, also known as “Pote”. The attacking midfielder has gone on to score 11 goals in 12 outings from midfield.
A tremendous return for a player currently setting Portugal alight. So who is he? How has reached such lofty acclaim? What does the future hold for such a prestigious talent?
Who is Pedro Gonçalves?
Born and raised in the small Portuguese city of Chaves, not far from the Spanish border in North Portugal, Gonçalves honed his skills and development at a number of academies as a youth, from local side Vidago to Chaves, Braga, to Valencia and eventually Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Gonçalves arrived at Wolves with his eye on a bright future while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were playing in the Championship back in 2017. He produced a number of eye-catching performances for the Wolves under-21 side, but his only senior appearance for the club came in a 30-minute cameo against Sheffield Wednesday in a League Cup fixture in August 2018.
With first team opportunities hard to come by, Gonçalves returned to his native Portugal in the summer of 2019, being signed by newly-promoted outfit Famalicao. The Portuguese side went onto be surprise success stories during the 2019/20 Primeira Liga campaign under Joao Pedro Sousa, the long-term former assistant of Marco Silva, while Goncalves was central to their strong campaign.
Gonçalves scored five goals and registered a further five assists as Famalicao exceeded expectations finishing in an astonishing sixth place. His breakthrough campaign in the Portuguese top-flight saw Gonçalves pick up plenty of admirers, none other than the three biggest clubs in the country: Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon. However, he signed for the latter.
Once again, Gonçalves is flourishing in a side that is exceeding expectations as the Portuguese giants chase their first league trophy since 2002, 19 years. Sporting are currently unbeaten, top of the table with 11 wins and two draws scoring 30 goals along the process, and Gonçalves is at the top of the pile for goals with 11 goals from 12 appearances.
What is Gonçalves’ style of play?
Pedro Gonçalves has established himself as a technically proficient performer. An attacking midfielder who is well-versed in becoming the sole-creative force in the team, as well as a consistent goal machine, even though he isn’t traditionally a striker. He’s already drawn such stark comparisons to former player, Bruno Fernandes because of his influence and leadership in attack. His 17 goals so far in the league is no mean feat.
And its certainly astonishing to say that few who are close with him aren’t surprised he’s pulling up some wonderful numbers in front of goal so early in the season. Gonçalves is that good.
The 22-year-old has slotted in seamlessly in the position that was vacated by Bruno Fernandes and is registering better numbers than the Old Trafford talisman, averaging a strike every 83 minutes so far this season. In his final season at Sporting, Fernandes averaged a goal every 191 minutes.
Gonçalves may not be as creative as Bruno Fernandes, registering only the three assists so far but Gonçalves has picked up a reputation for becoming so ruthless in front of goal, punishing defences for basic mistakes. He averages 2.9 shots per 90. 11 goals from just around 30 shots is remarkable numbers for a striker let alone an attacking midfielder.
To put things into context, Pedro Gonçalves holds a better conversion rate (42%) than Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah (24%). Quite spectacular. While his scoring statistics are alarming and will wow any reader or viewer, Gonçalves’ game transcends beyond his ability to score goals. It’s his understanding and intelligence of where to be not only in the box, but within the final third.
Like his predecessor, Gonçalves knows when to pick up dangerous positions in the attacking areas in order to disrupt and hurt the opposition. It is a brilliant yet unique characteristic, and its no wonder why he’s so influential in a very astute, organised but incredibly fluid Sporting team. Gonçalves averages 1.4 dribbles per 90, 2.7 crosses, 12.0 final third passes and he also average around 5 touches in the opposition penalty area, a fascinating statistic which highlights Gonçalves’ propensity to become a central figure in every attack Sporting conjure up.
What’s also vital to note about Pedro Gonçalves is that also huge influence down the other end, in his defending and pressing. His small, slight frame means he’s able to get about the pitch with relative ease, that’s why he’s so effective in his pressing, and the harassing of his opponents. He’s won a staggering 1.3 tackles per 90 this season and averages 5.1 duels won.
He’s a terrier, whenever his opponent is dwelling on the ball too long, he’s got the tenacity and desire to quickly nip the ball from behind them. Sporting have only conceded thirteen times from 27 games this season and are on course to win the Portuguese Primeira Liga without tasting defeat, and Gonçalves’ work along with his attacking partners are a huge bonus and a testament to their terrific defending and complete performances so far this campaign.
What does the future hold for Pedro Gonçalves?
Pedro Gonçalves’ is in for a terrific future if he carries on this form for the foreseeable future. A uniquely gifted midfielder who has captured the imagination of many in the Portuguese top-flight so far this season. Reports are already linking with a move to Manchester United, and while those stories may be untrue, its one that represents the kind of season Pedro Gonçalves is enjoying right now.
Providing Sporting go on to win the Primeira Liga this year, there’s no reason why Gonçalves won’t continue his rapid development at the club, and in his native Portugal. It would take a monumental amount of money to prize the midfielder away from the club considering the fact they’ve just replaced Bruno Fernandes for Gonçalves. It’s imperative Gonçalves ignores the speculation about his future and continue on progressing within a very exciting Sporting team. Who knows, his current form could warrant a place in Portugal’s European Championship squad.
Gonçalves deserves such recognition right now, but his feet must stay firmly on the ground. A terrific player enjoying a terrific campaign. The future is certainly radiant for Pedro Gonçalves.
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