How not to question! Doesn't Léo Ortiz deserve to start against Penarol?

Coach Tite started designing the Flamengowho will face Peñarol, from Uruguay, during training this Wednesday (18), at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center. One of the red-black coach's main moves was to leave Léo Ortiz, hired at the beginning of the year, on the bench. This choice raised questions, especially from journalist Rodrigo Lima, who criticized the decision during the pre-game of Coluna do Fla.

Rodrigo Lima highlighted his perplexity with Tite's decision, stating that, based on the latest performances, Léo Ortiz should be a starter in Flamengo's midfield. For Lima, the field "speaks", and at the moment he "screams" that Ortiz is the best option for the midfielder position, above names like Everton Araújo and Erick Pulgar, who are also fighting for this spot. This criticism highlights the way the coach decides to assemble his team and the options he chooses to face important opponents.

Léo Ortiz was hired with the aim of reinforcing Flamengo. Originally a defender, he arrived at the club with great expectations, but ended up being moved to midfield due to the team's circumstances, especially the lack of options and player injuries. Interestingly, this change of position is not new for Ortiz, as he started his career in the youth categories playing as a midfielder. This history helps justify his quick adaptation to his new role.

In Flamengo's last two games, against Bahia and Vasco, Ortiz had the opportunity to play in midfield, and his performance was highlighted positively. Against Bahia, it was at the feet of number 3 that the play was born that resulted in a goal by Arrascaeta, one of the team's main players. In the Rio derby against Vasco, Léo Ortiz formed a defensive midfielder duo with Erick Pulgar, and again had a solid performance, contributing both to marking and passing the ball.