Portuguese newspaper A Bola today features a story on Everton loanee João Virgínia, who’s having a spell at Sporting until at least the end of the season.
Called a ‘cup keeper’ by the newspaper, the 22-year-old is having chances to play in local knock-out tournaments, and is expected to start against Varzim this week.
To speak about Virgínia, A Bola invited Hélio Sousa, who used to work with Portugal’s youth ranks. The coach gave big praise to the goalkeeper, claiming that he’s better off having a spell at Sporting than being loaned to a Championship club.
“If opportunities arise, they can count on him. Sporting signed him because they know that,” Hélio Sousa told A Bola.
“Game by game, you know that, sooner or later, it could be a continuation bet. In the nearer or longer future. But I have no doubts that he has what it takes to be Sporting’s future.”
“Being a second option in a team like Sporting is a good place. Diogo Costa, who now took his place at FC Porto, is a good example. He went from third to second until he was first. He’s certainly better now than at a Championship team.”
A Bola adds that against Varzim, Virgínia will have another chance to convince Sporting that he’d be worth the investment, as the Lions have the option of signing him from Everton in a permanent deal for €3.5m.
The goalkeeper only has two appearances for the club so far, and it’s certainly still too early to say whether the Lisbon side are satisfied with him or not.
