Cádiz face a tactical dilemma as Fabricio's role remains undecided

Brazilian midfielder Fabricio Assis de Souza Barbosa, a regular starter for Álvaro Cervera's side, will have his exact midfield position confirmed on Saturday at 17:30 as Tenerife host Cádiz in LaLiga Hypermotion.

Versatile midfield role under Cervera

Barbosa has featured in every starting eleven this season in the Segunda División after extending his contract in February until 2028. Cervera has deployed him across several zones of the centre of the pitch, valuing his vision and off‑ball work, which means his specific height in midfield remains undecided.

"The boss trusts me a lot," the Brazilian said, reflecting on the confidence that led to his long‑term renewal and his contribution to Tenerife's promotion from the Primera Federación.

Barbosa also opened his scoring account against Real Sociedad B, netting from the front line in the away fixture. However, the 5‑0 defeat to Castellón on 19 September marked the first occasion this campaign that Tenerife were outplayed, leaving the club’s goal balance at seven for and eight against after conceding three in the opening five rounds.

Clash with Cádiz looms

Tenerife sit with two home victories and one loss in their three matches at the Heliodoro, while Cádiz occupy 19th place with three points from three draws and three defeats, the latest setbacks coming after a 1‑2 loss to Girona.

Barbosa warned that every Segunda División side can pose a problem, adding that the team will approach the encounter "as if we were playing against a team at the top of the table" and emphasised the impact of the home crowd.

The upcoming fixture will kick off at 17:30 Canary time (18:30 on the peninsula) on matchday seven. A win would help Tenerife re‑engage with the higher positions they held at the start of the season, and the player believes the squad is ready to compete on equal terms with any opponent.