
Soccer
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Flamengo formed a midfield full of Uruguayan class this season, after signing Nicolás De La Cruz to form a partnership with Giorgian De Arrascaeta, a reference for the red-and-black team since 2019. However, in the Uruguay team , the two are competing for position, a dispute won by De La Cruz. This midfielder promises to raise the team's level, combining technique and game vision. Fans are eager to see this duo in action. Integration between them could be the key to Flamengo's new achievements.
The Uruguayans have in Nicolás De La Cruz, ex-River Plate, a fundamental pillar for their coach Marcelo Bielsa's team. Bielsa values intense movement and sees De La Cruz as an essential piece. The greater physical capacity of Flamengo's number 18 justifies his usual place among the Uruguayan team's starters. In addition to his physical strength, De La Cruz is very creative, a vital characteristic for the style of play proposed by Bielsa. This combination of skills makes him a complete and essential player.
The fixed tactical scheme with two wingers, Maximiliano Araújo and Facundo Pellistri, a center forward, Darwin Núñez, and two combative midfielders, Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte, allow space for just one attacking midfielder. In this scenario, De La Cruz manages to stand out. The team's priority is to put high pressure on the opponent's defense, favoring players with great physical capacity and mobility. De La Cruz fits perfectly into this strategy, earning coach Bielsa's preference.
At 27 years old, Nicolás De La Cruz is not only younger than Arrascaeta, 30 years old, but also has a more versatile playing characteristic. De La Cruz can play on the sides of the field or retreat as a midfielder, demonstrating “more lungs” on the field. In the current Copa América, he already has two assists, while Arrascaeta has just one. This versatility and physical resistance are attributes that make De La Cruz a natural choice for Uruguay's dynamic style of play.
Brazilian fans, accustomed to following Arrascaeta Since their time at Cruzeiro, they know that number 10 values less hustle and more about refined touches. Arrascaeta makes the ball flow and organizes the game with precision. At Flamengo, the team molds itself around him, allowing him to not have to spend so much time recovering the ball. This approach allows Arrascaeta to shine in offensive plays and maintain its high level of performance.
In Uruguay's dominant 2-0 victory over Brazil in October Last year, in the World Cup qualifiers, De La Cruz was a starter and also scored one of the goals. This performance reinforced his importance in the Uruguayan team and justified Bielsa's choice. De La Cruz proved to be decisive in big games, raising his international reputation. The victory over Brazil was an important milestone, consolidating confidence in his abilities.
Today, De La Cruz must continue leaving Flamengo's teammate, Arrascaeta, in the selection bench. This situation exemplifies the intense competition and quality that exists in the Uruguayan midfield. While De La Cruz stands out for his energy and versatility, Arrascaeta continues to be a key player at Flamengo. The dispute between the two players only enriches Uruguayan football, offering several tactical options for coaches. Flamengo, in turn, benefits from having two of the best midfielders in South America.
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The decision was made after a press conference with coach Filipe Luís, who exposed the striker's actions in a press conference this Saturday (12), after the victory over São Paulo
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After Flamengo's victory over São Paulo this Saturday (12), coach Filipe Luís spoke out about Pedro's actions in the club's daily life. The Mais Querido coach highlighted that the number 9 had unacceptable behavior. Therefore, the athlete's representatives will seek proposals for the player to leave Rubro-Negro.
" We're going to make an offer to Flamengo and try to find a way out ," a representative for Pedro told journalist Venê Casagrande. The response came after a press conference with coach Filipe Luís, who explained the reason for the player's departure.
Pedro was not included by Filipe Luís for the match against São Paulo this Saturday (12). Thus, the coach explained, in a press conference, that the player had unacceptable behavior. In addition, the coach stated that the number 9 should apologize and that he has been training below expectations.
"Pedro's behavior and attitude during the week was deplorable, bordering on ridiculous. Pedro has his personal issues with the club's board, but he's been training poorly for a while now. This week, however, he broke a clear principle we have as a coaching staff and players: training culture ," the coach emphasized before adding:
"For me, what he did was disrespectful, his behavior in training. I didn't hesitate for a moment to leave him out of this game, as this behavior can be contagious. I hope he recovers, apologizes to his teammates and goes back to being Pedro. It's not just a lack of respect for his teammates, it's also for himself, " said Filipe Luís .
Pedro returned from a serious injury a few months ago. Since then, the center forward has appeared in 17 matches for Flamengo. He has scored five goals and provided three assists for his teammates.
The Mais Querido full-back is being targeted by Roma and other European giants, but has not yet received any official offer.
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Roma is watching Wesley, who is still being watched by other clubs and may be leaving Flamengo. The number 43 confirmed during halftime of the match against São Paulo that there is a chance he will leave the club soon.
Wesley talks about a possible departure from Flamengo: "This is a matter for Flamengo's board and my agents ."
Wesley's contract with Flamengo runs until December 2028. Flamengo is demanding €30 million (R$195 million) to sell the young full-back. The player has also made clear his desire to play for a European club.
Therefore, Wesley is one of Roma's (ITA) priorities. This is because the Italian team hired coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was at Atalanta (ITA). The coach had even considered signing the full-back while he was still at the previous team, but negotiations failed.
Thus, while Wesley does not receive an official offer, Flamengo remains focused on the next commitments of the season. Rubro-Negro returns to the field on Wednesday (16), against Santos, at Vila Belmiro, at 8 pm.
The Mais Querido pointed out the problems that the full-backs had; it is worth remembering that the Rubro-Negro's number 6 suffered a strong tackle from Enzo Diaz
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This Saturday (12), Flamengo beat São Paulo by 2-0, in a match valid for the 13th round of the Brasileirão. However, throughout the match, Mais Querido suffered two important losses: Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas. Thus, Rubro-Negro updated the situation of the athletes.
It is worth remembering that after a clash with Enzo Diaz, a deep cut was found on Ayrton Lucas ' leg. After the game, Flamengo issued a statement revealing "bone exposure" in the player's wound. In addition, the club took the opportunity to talk about the situation of Alex Sandro, who will undergo tests this Sunday (13).
Left-back Ayrton Lucas suffered direct trauma to his left leg during the second half of the 2-0 victory over São Paulo, resulting in a blunt force trauma of approximately 8 cm. The player received local anesthesia in the locker room, where Flamengo doctor, Dr. Fernando Sassaki, cleaned and initially examined the wound. After confirming the bone exposure, a dressing was applied and the player was then sent for an x-ray, which ruled out a fracture in the region. Ayrton was taken to Barra D'Or Hospital, where he will undergo surgery. The player will remain hospitalized for at least 48 hours for antibiotics and infection prevention .
"The player felt pain in the posterior muscle of his left thigh in the first half of Flamengo 2 x 0 São Paulo. He will undergo an MRI scan on Sunday (13) ," Flamengo said in a statement issued to the press.
Thus, with Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas being doubtful, it is likely that Filipe Luís will once again field Varela at left-back for Flamengo . Rubro-Negro returns to the field on Wednesday (16), against Santos, at Vila Belmiro, at 8 pm.