Zaidu Sanusi has continued to take positive steps in his battle to keep his first-team place at FC Porto.
Such was the uncertainty surrounding his future at Porto that in the summer transfer window he was linked to several clubs in the Premier League and Turkey.
However, the Super Eagles leftback started last week’s UEFA Champions League group game against La Liga champions Atletico Madrid to send a strong signal that he is very much part of Porto’s plans for this season.
Porto coach Sergio Conceicao assured that Zaidu was only replaced in that game because he got a booking.
Zaidu was recently left out of three matchday squads and former Santa Clara sports director Diogo Boa Alma told Ojogo that it was a time for sober reflection by the player.
“He thought about what he had to improve on,” said the official, who added that Zaidu thrives best when he has trust and affection.
“He [Zaidu] doesn’t show pressure and that’s good. He always works with the utmost diligence.
“There’s still a lot to learn, but the potential is there and everyone knows that.”
Former Santa Clara official further said he believes Zaidu can only learn from the stiff competition he now faces at the top Portuguese club.
"Wendell is more experienced, he can solve problems immediately and there are Marcano and Manafá. That can only be good for Zaidu to learn,” he argued.
“We can't forget that he was at Mirandela (third division) three seasons ago. They criticise him as if he had 10 years of top competition, but that is not the case.”
Mourinho can push Tammy Abraham as far as he can but certainly not into the Spuper Eagles square. He is useless to this great square. We have better unused players around. Let him continue to wait for the three lion call which will never come. He is just not goodg enough for the Super Eagles.