Conceição Explains Why He Trusted Zaidu at Porto

Conceição Praises Zaidu Sanusi's Pace

Former FC Porto manager Sérgio Conceição has praised Zaidu Sanusi's physical qualities and pace while explaining why he continued to trust the Nigerian defender during his time at the Portuguese club.

Conceição was speaking on a DAZN programme on Thursday when he looked back at Porto's 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.

Asked about Sanusi, the former Porto boss rejected the suggestion that the Nigerian had failed to justify the opportunities he received at the club.

“Zaidu the ugly duckling? Honestly, I don't think so. He proved otherwise. The proof of my insistence is that he is still at FC Porto today and is useful to FC Porto,” Conceição said.

Conceição then highlighted the qualities that made him value Sanusi as a left-back.

“Physically, he is above average, extremely fast. He covers the left flank incredibly well,” the former coach added.

Sanusi joined Porto from Santa Clara in August 2020 after developing his career in Portuguese football. He had moved to Portugal in 2016 and also spent time with Gil Vicente and Mirandela before establishing himself at Santa Clara.

The Nigerian's time at Porto has included several significant moments. In October 2022, he scored Porto's opening goal in their 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Sanusi had arrived in the box to finish a move that his coach had specifically encouraged his full-backs to make.

Earlier that year, Sanusi also scored the decisive goal in Porto's 1-0 victory away to Benfica, a result that confirmed the club as Portuguese champions.

Porto subsequently extended his contract, with Sanusi currently tied to the club until June 2027.

The 29-year-old has gone on to collect a substantial list of honours with the Portuguese giants, including two Primeira Liga titles, two Portuguese Cups, two Portuguese Super Cups and one League Cup.

Sanusi's career at Porto has also been interrupted by injuries, but Conceição's latest comments underline the qualities that convinced him to persist with the Nigeria international.

The former coach clearly remains convinced that Sanusi's speed and ability to cover the entire left flank made him a valuable option during his successful spell in charge of the Portuguese club.