Alberto Costa undroppable: four games, four assists | OneFootball

The doubts about Alberto Costa's role at FC Porto seem to have dissipated with the start of the current season, thanks to very solid performances and numbers that justify his inclusion in Francesco Farioli's starting eleven.

Having returned to Portugal from Juventus for a fixed 15 million euros—a deal that could reach an additional million based on objectives—the 21-year-old right-back has lived up to expectations. In the four matches played in 2025/26, he recorded four assists, marking the best start of his career to date, and promises to continue standing out.

The match at Alvalade was a demonstration of his value, under the watchful eye of Rui Borges, who coached him at Vitória SC. Against the reigning champion Sporting, the number 20 of the Dragons showcased both offensive and defensive qualities: in the first half, he was a constant concern for Pedro Gonçalves, newly confident after a hat-trick against Nacional, and a decisive tackle that stopped a shot from Sporting's number 8 remains memorable, following a brilliant recovery after a poorly measured pass from Francisco Moura.

With great verticality and physical ability, Alberto Costa has also been a provider of crosses for the forwards, as demonstrated by Luuk de Jong's opening goal for FC Porto, which came from a low cross by the full-back.

The influence of right-backs in Porto's attack has been customary in recent seasons. Over the last ten years, players like Danilo, Ricardo Pereira, or Miguel Layún have played there—the latter, a Mexican international, surprised in 2015/16 with 19 (!) assists and six goals while on loan from England's Watford. More recently, João Mário took on the position and achieved his personal best of eight assists in 2022/23; the 25-year-old Portuguese international was later involved in the transfer that brought Alberto Costa, who signed with the club until 2030.

FC Porto maintains a competitive squad, and the right side of the defense is no exception. Martim Fernandes, 19, presents himself as a serious contender to Alberto Costa as soon as he recovers from the left knee issue suffered in the opening round of the Primeira Liga against Vitória SC. Last season, the young Portuguese national team player recorded six assists in his first full season with the main squad.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.