Ruben Vinagre made his debut for Sporting CP on Saturday.

The full-back is spending the season on loan with the reigning Portuguese champions, with the club having the option to purchase next year.

Sporting CP v FC Vizela - Liga Bwin
Ruben Vinagre (Photo by Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

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It is a chance for Vinagre to continue the good form he showed at Farmalicao, where he spent the second half of 2020/21.

Vinagre was an unused substitute for Sporting in the 2-1 win over Braga in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.

But an ankle sprain for Nuno Mendes meant Vinagre could make his competitive debut on Saturday in the club’s first league game against FC Vizela.

And it was a comfortable 3-0 win for champions Sporting, with ex-Wolves youngster Pedro Goncalves scoring a brace.

Sporting CP v FC Vizela - Liga Bwin
Ruben Vinagre (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

During the 78 minutes he was on the pitch, Vinagre completed 31/38 passes, and won 4/8 of his duels (Sofascore).

He also completed 3/4 dribbles, and put in no fewer than 7 crosses.

Speaking about the player after the game, manager Ruben Amorim said (via @Sporting160_EN): “He showed his ability, offensive, sometimes he got ahead.

“He had physical difficulties, we already knew, he plays very well, he confirmed what we already knew. Now he has to work hard to be an option and to grow.”

Sporting CP v FC Vizela - Liga Bwin
Ruben Vinagre (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Sporting using a wing-backs system allowed Vinagre to spend most of his time attacking.

Potentially, this could be a very good move for the player given their attacking brand of football.

On social media, fans really liked what they saw from Vinagre on his first competitive outing:

 

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