Former Porto boss lauds Sanusi

Former FC Porto coach Sérgio Conceição has praised Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi’s exceptional pace and ability to cover the left flank, recalling why he pushed for the Nigerian during his time in charge of the Portuguese giants, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Conceição was speaking on a DAZN programme on Thursday when he reflected on Porto’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022 and discussed the qualities that made Sanusi an important player for the club.

The former Porto boss rejected suggestions that Sanusi had been given opportunities without proving his worth, insisting that the defender had justified the faith placed in him.

“Zaidu a spoiled brat? Honestly, I don’t think so. He’s proven otherwise. The proof of my insistence is that he’s still at FC Porto today and is useful to FC Porto,” Conceição said, according to OneFootball.

Conceição also highlighted Sanusi’s physical qualities, particularly his pace and ability to cover large areas of the pitch from the left side.

“Physically, he’s above average, extremely fast. He runs down the left flank incredibly well,” he added.

The former coach’s praise comes as Porto reportedly prepare to offer Sanusi a new contract, with Portuguese newspaper A Bola reporting that the club’s management intends to extend the defender’s stay in the coming weeks.

Sanusi’s current contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he would be free to negotiate with other clubs from January if an agreement is not reached before then.

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Despite competition from Francisco Moura and, more recently, Souza, Sanusi remains an important option on the left side of Porto’s defence and has featured in five matches this season.

The 29-year-old is currently sidelined after suffering an adductor injury to his right leg during Porto’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu.

Sanusi was forced off in the 17th minute after sustaining the injury while attempting to play the ball, with Martim Fernandes replacing him.

Medical tests subsequently confirmed the setback, with reports in Portugal indicating that the Nigerian could spend around two months on the sidelines.

Sanusi joined Porto from Santa Clara in August 2020 after developing through Portuguese football, having previously featured for Gil Vicente and Mirandela.

He has since enjoyed several memorable moments with Porto, including scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Benfica in May 2022, a result that sealed the Portuguese league title.

His honours with the club include two Portuguese league titles, two Portuguese Cups, two Portuguese Super Cups and a League Cup.