With Adán’s injury there were changes in the goalkeeping hierarchy; young man who joined the lions in 2017 and who this season established himself in the B team is a name to follow over the next few weeks
Unlucky for some, lucky for others. Adán’s injury, at a time when many decisions are approaching, caused alarm and provoked a ‘revolution’ in the goalkeeping hierarchy (at least…) in the next games. That little or nothing is linked to what was the initial idea of the season. Without the Spaniard, the media stage is handed over to Franco Israel, a 23-year-old Uruguayan international, with just 18 games in the last two seasons, who against Farense will make his debut in the 2023/2024 League. So far so good…
It is interesting to know, however, who the Uruguayan’s new shadow will be. The one who will be pointed at the lions’ goal, in case any misfortune (due to punishment or injury) arises for Franco Israel. And if at the beginning of the season that name would be Diego Calai, a great hope of the Alcochete Academy, everything changed with his departure in the last January market to gain ground and competitive rhythm at Feirense in League 2. Among the lot of options, namely in the youth teams, two names were at the forefront: Diogo Pinto (19 years old) and Francisco Silva (18). The starters of the B team and the under-23s, respectively.
Diogo Pinto has more skills to go to the bench, but that then goes through Vital
Rúben Amorim revealed the choice. «Diogo Pinto has more skills to go to the bench, but that then goes through Vital», confided the coach.
And, from now on, everything will change in Diogo Pinto’s life. The young man who emerged at Felgueiras, a local club, where he started playing at the age of eight. He only arrived at Alcochete in 2017 for the under-14 team. Since then it has always been growing. The following season he was national under-15 champion and became one of the regular names in the national teams, under-15, under-16 and under-18.
In the last four seasons he has played between the Lions’ under-17s and under-23s, making his debut in November 2021 in the Revelation League. With a professional contract since October 2020, the goalkeeper has been part of team B since last year, under Filipe Çelikkaya.
«Renewing is a sign of confidence on the part of the club, as well as a feeling of great responsibility on my part. Sporting CP is satisfied with me, and I want to continue here for many more years and respond in the best way possible”, he said at the time of the renewal in 2020.
A renewal always seen as a priority in the formation of the lions, especially because, at that time, before turning 16, Diogo Pinto was very close to moving to England, namely to Manchester City, a club that closely followed his evolution in the national teams. With an impressive athletic size, measuring over 1.93 meters, Diogo Pinto’s greatest qualities are his presence, leadership and excellent agility between the posts.
After many presences in the work of the main team this season, a door is now opening. Still in the shadow of Franco Israel, but it requires preparation in case any unforeseen circumstances arise. A name to remember in the coming weeks…
