One of Tottenham’s young players caught the eye as he made his debut for his loan club and left their supporters raving about him
Tottenham youngster Souza celebrates with Andre Silva during the friendly match between RC Deportivo A Coruna and FC Porto at Abanca Riazor Stadium
Tottenham’s January signing Souza is delighted with how his loan at Porto has gone despite only finally making his unofficial debut on Friday.
Spurs brought in the 20-year-old left-back from Santos in a £13million deal earlier this year and at the time then head coach Thomas Frank said of the Brazilian that the north London outfit had bought “one of the brightest left-back talents in the world who can give us something now but also for the future”.
Souza made four appearances in his inaugural campaign, following a season in Brazil spent also helping Santos avoid relegation alongside Neymar.
He made the move to Porto in the summer window to ensure he got the minutes required to continue his development. However, his early weeks at the club have seen him sat unused on the bench. Injuries to team-mates in that position are expected to change that with boss Francesco Farioli deliberately working with the young defender on the training pitches to adapt him to his system.
Souza was finally able to show the supporters what he can do when Porto took on Deportivo La Coruna in a friendly on Friday during the international break and he provided an assist for Andre Silva’s goal in the 3-1 victory for the Portuguese side.
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Sport Witness translated A Bola’s report on the game which claimed that the Tottenham full-back “left fans drooling” with his display and that he is “the real deal” and played “at an excellent level”.
After the game, Souza was quoted as saying of his loan move to Porto: “I felt really good; I’m happy to make my debut in this beautiful, wonderful shirt. I want to highlight the squad, which is ready for the league matches and the return to competitive play.”
He added: “It’s been a wonderful experience, better than I expected. Everyone at FC Porto has welcomed me warmly and is helping me with the adaptation process. I just want to give something back.”
At Spurs, illness had interrupted the young Brazilian’s pre-season this summer and he was left out of Roberto De Zerbi’s tour squad for the trip to New Zealand and Australia in order to build his fitness back up. Souza has been pinpointed by the Brazilian FA as one for the future with Carlo Ancelotti keeping a close eye on him.
Tottenham signed experienced Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson on a free transfer in the summer and with Italy international Destiny Udogie also at the club, Souza’s chances of minutes this season were due to be limited, hence the switch to Porto.
Real Madrid and Brazil legend Roberto Carlos was asked about the Tottenham left-back at the Portugal Football Summit this week and made it clear that he believes all the hype in their homeland about his young compatriot will be realised because of his ability.
“I don’t like to make comparisons. He came to Porto because he has quality. He’s a player who played extremely well at Santos, it was a great signing,” said the 53-year-old as reported by O Jogo. “I’m absolutely certain that he will deliver what is expected of him on the field, he’s a top-level player.”
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