PORTIMONENSE SC have only good things to say about Harimau Malaya forward Safawi Rasid.
Although Safawi has not featured for Portimonense in the Primeira Liga, the Dungun-born, who has played two Liga Revelacao matches for their Under-23 side, has caught the eye of many in Portugal.
Portimonense chief executive officer Robson Pontes said the club are doing everything they can to make Safawi feel at home.
The 23-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), however, needs more time to adapt to European football.
"Technically, he is a good player and is very intelligent on the pitch. He is also a good finisher.
"I think it will only be a matter of time before he adapts to European football," said Pontes.
Safawi has grown into a better player since he joined JDT in 2017 where he had scored 26 goals in 64 appearances before moving to the Portuguese club.
Last season, he emerged as the top scorer in the Malaysia Cup with 11 goals and was also voted as the tournament's best player.
He subsequently won four awards at the National Football Awards last year.
When Safawi first arrived at Portimonense, club president (of football operations) Rodiney Sampaio compared the Malaysian to Japanese star Shoya Nakajima.
Nakajima had joined Portimonense in 2017 from FC Tokyo before moving to Qatar's Al Duhail SC for a staggering transfer fee of €35 million (RM171 million). The attacking midfielder was later signed by Porto for €12 million (RM59.2million).
Pontes believes Safawi has the pedigree to emulate Nakajima.
"Safawi has good qualities to make it big. However, it all boils down to how fast he can adapt to football in Europe," Pontes added.