Danish 'octopus' and great assists. FC Porto's reinforcements under the microscope

FC Porto's new season began with a veritable squad shake-up. André Villas-Boas had promised to hold the biggest transfer window in the club's history. The promise was fulfilled, and the results are clear to see.

The blue and white SAD's work last summer was meticulous, and Francesco Farioli ultimately brought all these ingredients together to build a team that has delivered. Until the goalless draw in the Clássico against Benfica, FC Porto had won all their official matches to date. They secured the top spot in the league, as well as the top spot in the Europa League's single-league phase.

Of the players signed, Victor Froholdt is the name that has been most prominent for the Blue and Whites. Unknown to most national football fans, the midfielder quickly established himself in the Dragons' squad and has already scored one goal and provided three assists in ten matches. His determination and never giving up on a chance make him a much-loved player among the Blue and Whites' fans, with some even calling him the Danish 'octopus.'

Another signing who has been making a name for himself this season is Alberto Costa . After shining for Vitória SC, he joined Juventus and returned to Portugal through FC Porto. The right-back stands out for his speed and attacking prowess, having already provided five assists in seven matches for the blue and whites.

Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior have brought the consistency that FC Porto's defensive center lacked last season. While Bednarek arrived at Dragão and established himself as the leader of the defensive line, with a keen sense of anticipation and excellent positioning, Kiwior added his passing and ability to build up play. With the Polish central duo together, the blue and whites have yet to concede a goal.

The Blues and Whites snapped their winning streak with Sunday's draw against Benfica, but they kept a clean sheet. The Dragons didn't concede a single goal while the Polish duo was on the pitch.

Rodrigo Querido | 07:35 - 10/07/2025

Continuing in the defensive sector, Pablo Rosario has been FC Porto's 'Swiss Army knife'. The midfielder, recruited from Nice last summer, has been used at right-back, demonstrating solidity and even scoring a goal, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. In goal, João Costa didn't make his debut in this return to Dragão. Dominik Prpić has played five matches, but is being covered by Kiwior and Bednarek.

In midfield, alongside Froholdt, Gabri Veiga has taken on a key role. After a stint in Saudi Arabia, the Spaniard returned to European football, recapturing the impressive performances he showed at Celta and has been the team's creative force this season. He has three assists and one goal in nine appearances.

Finally, up front, Borja Sainz , Luuk de Jong , and Yann Karamoh are the faces in the forward area. The Spanish winger arrived from Norwich and has provided coach Francesco Farioli with more attacking solutions. He has become a major headache for opposing defenses, with two goals and as many assists.

Meanwhile, the veteran Dutch forward, a surprise in the presentation match, is currently injured but has already scored with the Dragons on his chest. Meanwhile, the Frenchman, signed after the transfer window closed as a free agent, awaits his first match with his new team.

Three months have passed since the official start of the season, but it's safe to say that this 'new' FC Porto has been making waves both at home and abroad and will be a serious contender not only in the fight for the national title, but also at European level.

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