The Talents Calendar
Right after turning 16 years old, Rodrigo Ribeiro signed his first professional contract at Sporting; another ten months later, he made his debut for the club. On March 9, 2022 the striker became the second youngest player in Sporting’s history. Aged 16, ten months, and nine days he came on in the second leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League against Manchester City (0-0). “That was a dream come true,” Ribeiro said after the match against the top English club. The forward never thought that he would receive playing time and was surprised that he was brought on.
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Head coach Rúben Amorim was sure that his young star would not be showing any nerves in his debut. “I didn’t tell him anything special,” Amorim said after the game. “It is easy for them to just go and warm up without knowing whether they will get to play or not. Then suddenly, I give the notice that they are supposed to come on, tell them where they are supposed to play, and that’s it.” The only player younger than Ribeiro was U20 teammate Dário Essugo (16 years and six days).
Ribeiro joined Sporting’s academy when he was 12. Playing for Portugal’s junior setup, the forward often played among a group one or two years older than him. Despite the COVID-19 break in 2020, Ribeiro’s development continued. Ribeiro was a standout player at the U17 European Championships last May, where his country reached the semifinal and has been a regular scorer in the UEFA Youth League.
Rodrigo Ribeiro, du Sporting, avec les U17 du Portugal… pic.twitter.com/NBMZzn2ELy
— Trivela (@Trivela_FR) March 29, 2022
“Rodrigo Ribeiro can play every position in the attack,” said Transfermarkt Data Analyst wacfwaef. “Normally, he is used as a centre forward, but his attributes make him better suited as a supporting striker behind a more traditional no.9. He is very capable of using his ability to dribble with physical elements, can hold the ball well and cause chaos in the attack, especially in-between the lines. He also has a good eye for his teammates and is a strong finisher. All that makes him one of the most promising Portuguese talents.”
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At Sporting, Ribeiro is currently bouncing back and forward between the first team, the reserves, and the U19. While the lack of consistency between teams has hurt some talents, Ribeiro seems to be unaffected. “That means that from a psychological and emotional perspective, Ribeiro is very stable,” Sporting scout Luís Dias said in an interview with Renascença. “The players have to show that they can remain calm when they get called up but also when they are sent back and return to practice with another team.”
Ribeiro has now managed six appearances for Sporting’s first team but is yet to score a goal. The club, however, is happy with his development. “Rodrigo is a player with all the attributes necessary to succeed as a striker in modern football,” Dias said. “He is not only good in the attack but also helps out defensively and always follows the tactical advice of the coaching staff. He is still a very young player, who is being developed, and we are still trying to figure out his best position. The fact that he is playing at a higher level than other players at his age shows that he is willing to take on more responsibilities but also that he is better than them on the pitch.”
From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2005. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.
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