
Soccer
19 Ago 2024 | 13:50 |
In recent weeks, the discussion about the use of young players in Flamengo came back to the fore, especially in relation to Victor Hugo and Everton Araújo. Both athletes, considered promises in the youth categories, have faced difficulties in securing space in the main squad under Tite's command.
Victor Hugo, who became one of the club's main hopes, had a role greatly reduced in the last ten games. During this period, he was only used in a single match, against São Paulo, in the Copa do Brasil. It is worth noting that, on this occasion, Flamengo entered the field with a reserve team, which highlights the coach's lack of confidence in the young midfielder for games considered more important. On this occasion, Victor Hugo only had 30 minutes to show his football, which raises questions about the club's planning for the development of young talent.
FLAMENGO SEES NEW DIRECTION IN OPTIONS< /p>
Everton Araújo's situation is also worrying. The player has not been used for 12 consecutive matches, which shows that he has lost space within the squad. Everton, who arrived at Flamengo with great expectations, finds themselves increasingly distant from a concrete opportunity to show their service on the field. The prolonged absence from official games is a clear indication that he is not in the coach's immediate plans, which could affect not only his morale, but also his evolution as an athlete.
The lack of opportunities for these players brings up a debate about the policy for using youth teams at Flamengo. The club, historically known for revealing great talents, appears to be going through a moment of transition, in which the preference for more experienced players or recent signings ends up harming the space for young players.
The case of Victor Hugo is particularly emblematic . The young midfielder has already shown potential in other opportunities, but the lack of continuity in his participation could be detrimental to his career. Gradual and consistent inclusion in games is essential for a young player to develop confidence and show their true value. However, with just 30 minutes on the field in the last ten games, it is difficult to imagine that he will be able to gain pace and evolve as expected.
Carlo Ancelotti called up the 18-year-old for the national team's training sessions in Teresópolis and the Mengão goalkeeper was praised by the world champion goalkeeper
05 Set 2025 | 19:02 |
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has selected five athletes from the youth ranks of Rio de Janeiro clubs to participate in the Brazilian national team's training session in Teresópolis. Among those selected is Léo Nanneti, Flamengo's goalkeeper, who shone in the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup victory over Barcelona.
During a press conference, four-time world champion and current goalkeeping coach for the Brazilian national team, Taffarel , made a point of joking and praising the young Flamengo player. " I didn't like him. I didn't like him because in the first training session he asked me to put gloves on him (laughs) ," he said before concluding.
" You know those gloves that are really tight? You can put one on and you can't put the other on. He said, 'Professor, can you put the glove on with me?' I said, 'Get out of here now' (laughs). I'm a coach, I'm not a glove fitter," he said in a relaxed tone.
Tafarel then revealed his admiration for the youngster: " He's a really cool kid. I didn't even realize he was the goalkeeper in that final (of the U-20 World Cup). I was really happy he came here with us; he has great potential. I liked him, especially because he's an 18-year-old kid, but he already has a real professional attitude. I'm sure he'll bring a lot of joy to Flamengo," he concluded.
Léo Nanneti, who came through Flamengo 's youth ranks since the U-9s, is considered one of the club's brightest prospects. A key player in the U-20 World Cup final, the goalkeeper saved two penalty kicks against Barcelona , securing the title for Mengão.
On loan from Mengão until 2026, the 21-year-old midfielder will wear the number 29 shirt for Peixe and the player highlighted the star's message as a decisive factor.
05 Set 2025 | 17:05 |
Santos officially presented, this Friday (5), midfielder Victor Hugo , 21 years old. The athlete, on loan from Flamengo until mid-2026, will wear the number 29 shirt and was received by idol Clodoaldo during the press conference . The “Cria do Ninho” highlighted that Neymar's message was decisive in his decision to play for the São Paulo club.
"They really had other options. From the moment Neymar sends a message, it makes a difference," the midfielder stated. He also revealed his admiration for the star: " Neymar was the one who made me fall in love with football when I was younger . I've always followed him closely. He's an idol to me. That really had an impact."
The athlete emphasized that his recent stint with Göztepe in Turkey helped improve his defensive performance. However, his desire now is to regain the attacking characteristics that marked his youth development. " In the youth academy, I was always number 10. [...] I have the ability to get forward to score goals. That's something I want to recover, to get forward more, to score more goals, " he projected.
Victor Hugo is considered one of the most promising young players in the Mais Querido youth academy in recent years. Promoted to the main squad in 2022, he participated in the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores victories that year. However, he lost his place under Tite and ended up on loan. Now, at Santos, the youngster hopes to regain prominence and take a new step in his career.
Upon his return, he nearly agreed to a move to Famalicão-POR. The deal fell through, and the player even received a few minutes under Filipe Luís. However, he didn't win over the coaching staff and was underused.
Celeste's number 10 scored a goal in the 3-0 victory over Peru, which secured a spot in the World Cup. Marcelo Bielsa highlighted the midfielder's recovery.
05 Set 2025 | 15:54 |
Last Thursday (4), Uruguay beat Peru 3-0 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, securing their place in the next World Cup . Arrascaeta started and scored the second goal of the match, remaining on the field for 69 minutes. With the result, the Celeste Olímpica joins Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Paraguay as representatives of South America. Venezuela and Bolivia are already competing for a place in the play-offs.
After the victory, Marcelo Bielsa praised the midfielder's performance and highlighted the Gávea club's role in the athlete's recovery, as he had faced physical problems in recent years. The coach made a point of thanking the club's professionals for their work.
“ Regarding Arrascaeta, I would like to give special recognition to Flamengo's technical and medical staff, who have made Arrascaeta a different player this season, this year, than the one I initially knew ,” said Bielsa.
Bielsa highlighted the player's development, emphasizing his importance to both the national team and the club. " Today, he's a player like I'd heard before. And only this year have I been able to see him in terms of his trajectory , what people say about him, and what he's done for the national team. He's very valuable, but what he does at Flamengo , playing twice a week, scoring goals, providing assists... He's a player who, in this form, is very good," the coach added.
Enjoying one of the best moments of his career, the Uruguayan has played 42 games for Mengão in 2024, 37 of them as a starter. The midfielder has excelled in goalscoring and consistent performances, solidifying his position as a key player in the team's strategy.