Nigeria international left back Zaidu Sanusi is not having the best of time at Portuguese side FC Porto has he has fallen out of favour just three games into the season.
The Nigerian joined the club one year ago from Santa Clara but after an impressive start to his career at the club, he suffered a dip in form towards the end of last season. He was subsequently benched in some games.
He appeared to have won back his spot when he started their first league game of the season against Belenenses which they won 2-0 but he dropped to the bench in the next game against Famalicao.
Zaidu was introduced for Wilson Manafa in the 71st minute of the 2-1 win and he nearly cost Porto all three points when he lost possession in a clumsy manner allowing Famalicao to equalize. The goal was however ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) saving his blushes.
Faced with the prospect of playing second fiddle to newly signed left back Wendell from Bayern Leverkusen, Zaidu it seems has more than just the Brazilian ahead of him.
In yesterday’s game against Maritimo which ended in a 1-1 draw, their was no spot for the Nigerian in the matchday squad with 34 year old Spaniard Ivan Marcano starting and Manafa named on the bench.
Coach Sergio Conceicao made no mention of Zaidu while explaining his decision to play Marcano who is predominantly a centre back at left back. Wendell is expected to be in the team for their next match further pushing Zaidu down the pecking order.
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Marcano has been giving good indications, he didn’t make it this week and trained in that position. We’ve been working for a few weeks now and I thought it was time to get Marcano into it. He did well and played a good game, it’s a pity we weren’t able to celebrate the victory on his return”, he explained.
