Former FC Porto coach Sérgio Conceição has praised Zaidu Sanusi for his speed and ability to control the left side of the pitch.
The Portuguese coach discussed the Nigerian defender during a DAZN programme on Thursday. He looked back at Porto’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.
Sanusi remains an important part of Porto’s squad. His recent career has included major matches and key moments for the Portuguese club. In May 2022, he scored in Porto’s 1-0 win at Benfica. That result confirmed Porto as Portuguese champions.
Conceição also rejected the suggestion that Sanusi received opportunities without proving his value.
“Zaidu a spoiled brat? Honestly, I don’t think so. He’s proven otherwise. The proof of my insistence is that he’s still at FC Porto today and is useful to FC Porto,” Conceição said, per OneFootball.
The former Porto manager then highlighted the physical qualities that separate the Super Eagles defender from many players in his position.
“Physically, he’s above average, extremely fast. He runs down the left flank incredibly well,” Conceição added.
Sanusi’s pace allows him to cover significant ground from the left-back position. He can support attacks and recover quickly when possession changes.
The Super Eagles defender joined Porto in August 2020. He arrived from Santa Clara after several years in Portuguese football.
During the 2019/20 season, he made 24 league appearances for Santa Clara. He also scored once before securing his move to Porto.
His time at Porto has produced several major honours. The Nigerian defender has won two Portuguese league titles and two Portuguese Cups.
Porto rewarded his contribution with a contract extension until 2027. Conceição’s latest comments underline why he valued Sanusi during his time in charge.
For the former Porto coach, the defender’s pace remains one of his clearest strengths. His ability to cover the left flank continues to define his role at the club.
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