Sergi Altimira says he feels he is “developing a lot” at Sporting CP

“I feel I’m developing a lot,” says Sergi Altimira, describing his progress at Sporting CP. That development was on show against Lens, who were beaten 2-0 by Sporting de Portugal in the Champions League. Altimira was also involved in the move for Luis Suárez’s 0-1 goal, at a difficult point in the match for Sporting CP.

The Portuguese side had a difficult opening. After the first quarter of an hour, Altimira helped stem the opposition’s pressure at Bollaert-Delelis. Rui Borges explained that the midfielder’s positioning had been adjusted: “We always play in a 1-4-3-3. But the players’ movements change. At other times, we have formed a back five with Geny Catamo on the right. This time, Sergi Altimira dropped deeper.”

The midfielder says he quickly found his feet: “I’ve improved and adapted better and better. I think it was a very quick process. […] It’s clear that I’ve managed to adapt.” He also described his role as a holding midfielder: “It’s a position that is usually more defensive. I have that quality, that instinct to win the ball back, and that is very important in this position.” He added that his positioning has improved and that he wants to maintain, or raise, his level.

At the start of the season, Altimira started all 10 matches played by Sporting CP. He was given just three minutes of rest in the win against Nacional in the fifth round of the Primeira Liga. His impact is also reflected in several passing and ball-winning indicators, in which he ranks among Sporting CP’s strongest midfielders.