PORTO: ABOUBAKAR SHINES IN NEW ROLE FOLLOWING MARTÍNEZ’S DEPARTURE
Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar is making the most of his moment at FC Porto. After a challenging 2014–2015 campaign, the new season has marked a turning point for the former Lorient forward, who appears to have found both form and confidence following the departure of Jackson Martínez to Atlético Madrid.
Aboubakar has started the 2015–2016 Primeira Liga season in style, scoring four goals in his first four appearances. His latest contribution — a goal and an assist over the weekend — has earned him glowing praise from the Portuguese press. Sabado described his start as “impressive,” noting it’s his best since arriving in European football five years ago.
“I was stressed before the first match,” the 23-year-old admitted, referring to his brace against Vitória de Guimarães on opening day (3–0). “But the coach reassured me and gave me the confidence I needed to score,” he told Footmercato.
That trust is clearly paying off. With his powerful presence, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, Aboubakar is steadily cementing his role as Porto’s new main man up front. While replacing a prolific striker like Martínez is no small task, the early signs suggest that the Cameroonian is more than capable of filling the void — and perhaps even surpassing expectations.
Now with the full backing of his coach and teammates, the challenge for Aboubakar will be to maintain consistency and keep Porto in the hunt for domestic and European success.
