Sporting wing-back Maxi Araújo scored for the club against Manchester City in the Champions League two weeks ago.
After that, he was asked about whether he would ever like to play for the Citizens and the Uruguayan was quite open about his admiration for the club, revealing that he would be interested in a move.
As praise continues to grow in Portugal for the 24-year-old, his former coach – Eduardo Espinel, has now spoken to O Jogo about the player’s rise and potential.
Espinel, who coached the wing-back during his time in Uruguay, was asked about the player’s comments about Manchester City.
He said: “He has much more power, much more speed and more tactical ability. I have no doubt that he hasn’t reached its limit yet.
“He is ready to play for any of the best teams in the world, because after all, today the characteristics he has are those that the teams of the moment ask for – speed in processes, speed, one-on-one ability and solidarity.
“If not Manchester City, he will certainly have a place at another big club.”
Espinel further spoke about how Araújo needs to grow at Sporting and the fact that he is well placed to do that.
“I think he will have even more opportunities now because he is more adapted to the club and the country.
“And like I said, even though he has just arrived in Portugal, not only in Portugal, but certainly other teams, in other countries, are already talking about him.”
The Uruguay international has played 14 times in all competitions already for Sporting and has contributed to four goals.
He’s making that impact only in his first season in Portugal and things should only improve from here on.
