“I can understand comparisons” – Ex-Sporting academy coach explains difference between Quenda and Yamal | OneFootball

Former Sporting Lisbon academy coach Fabio Roque has been speaking about new Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda.

It was confirmed last week the Blues had completed the shock signing of the 17-year-old in a deal worth around £40m.

Quenda will remain at Sporting until the summer of 2026 when he will then link up with his new team-mates at Chelsea’s Cobham training base.

Ex-Sporting academy coach on difference between Yamal and Quenda

The teenager is regarded as one of the best talents in world football under the age of 18, and along with Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez the Blues have three of the best under 18 talents.

Quenda can operate on both wings, although it’s believed Chelsea will predominantly use him as a left winger, and the Blues are said to have moved fast to beat Manchester United and Bayern Munich to the signing.

A crucial factor for Quenda picking Chelsea over United was the chance to play as a winger rather than a wing back, which likely would have happened under Ruben Amorim.

Quenda will cost Chelsea in the region of £40m. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Roque has likened Quenda to both Rafael Leao and Bukayo Saka, whilst he also explained the similarities with Lamine Yamal.

“I can understand comparisons with Lamine Yamal, but Geo just covers a lot more ground,” he told Give Me Sport.

“More specifically, his crossing is very, very strong. He likes to start wide and cut inside, and he excels in tight spaces.

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“I think he can still improve his shooting. I am curious to see how this part of his game develops at Chelsea. As he becomes even more mature, he’ll realise the right time to shoot more often and can start adding more goals to his game.”

Quenda,, who’s made 44 appearances for Sporting this season including ten in the Champions League could arrive at Stamford Bridge with 100 appearances for the Portuguese giants, which would show he’s more than first team ready.