Adrien was seen as big hope for the future.
He was even wanted by Chelsea, when he was 16. He decided to stay because he thought he would have a better chance to develop staying.
He was part of the first team squad when he was 18. He was loaned last season to have first team football. He was sent to Israel but returned to Portugal in January to play for Academica. He got injured, but the club wanted to keep him for the new season.
He played a few matches for Sporting as an anchorman. In the U21 he was always a center midfield with a good passing range and good vision.
This season he has been used between being a pure center midfielder and an offensive midfielder. He has banged a lot of goals this season. He has a goal ratio near 1 goal every 2 matches. Which is massive for a midfielder.
I was hoping he would return next season to be a full member of the squad.
But it seems Sporting is keen on selling and the transfer won't reach the release clause or anything like it.
João Silva has ended last season in fashion and had a great start of season, banging some vital goals. Scored 3 in his first 6 matches.
Lately he has been used as a substitute.
You can watch his stats in here:
http://www.zerozero.pt/jogador.php?epoca_id=141&id=108429&op=zoomstats&tpstats=club