Flamengo chooses to employ Matheus Uribe after recognizing resemblances between Vítor Pereira and Paulo Sousa.

Flamengo reached an agreement with Matheus Uribe and awaits the release of Porto (POR)

Flamengo is still looking for reinforcements for some sectors of the field. As Vítor Pereira was waiting for the arrival of a defensive midfielder, Rubro-Negro tried to negotiate with Matheus Uribe. Now, there are few details that ‘prevent’ a closing with the athlete from Porto (POR). Fla’s desire for the Colombian can be explained by the similarities between the work styles of the current commander of Mais Querido and Paulo Sousa.

According to journalist André Rocha, both Portuguese players choose to include, in their respective teams, athletes who exercise the ‘box-to-box’ function, who play from area to area. Essential in Vítor Pereira’s style, a midfielder is in front of the defence; the full-backs or wingers ‘go up’ to the offensive sector, seeking to create spaces and depth for the passes; already the members of the attack try to explore the back of the opposing midfielders. With that, the team starts the ball out with three defenders, something similar to a 3-4-2-1.

Then, the similarities with Paulo Sousa’s way of acting appear. The former coach of Flamengo favored ‘complete’ socks. With the possession of the ball, the athletes would have to help in the beginning of the plays. Already without the domain, the players would retreat, or, in some cases, would put pressure on the opponent who was under the control of the ‘pela’. With that, the Portuguese appreciate dynamic defensive midfielders, who give rhythm to the attack, with good finishing and who distribute the game.

Then, interest in Matheus Uribe arises. Of the players in Flamengo’s squad: Arturo Vidal has the age factor weighing against him, Gerson is not a reference player when it comes to giving rhythm to the game, Thiago Maia is slow in the ball distribution phase, Erick Pulgar does not appear to be an intense defensive midfielder and Igor Jesus is ‘too young’ to take over Fla’s midfield.

It is worth noting that the hiring of Matheus Uribe depends only on a few factors. Flamengo has already reached an agreement with the midfielder and has overcome all the financial barriers that ‘stopped’ the deal. Now, Rubro-Negro is waiting for Porto to release the athlete in advance, otherwise it could only count on reinforcement in July. Finally, Uribe’s wife has not yet decided whether to change environments and live in Rio de Janeiro. After ‘resolving’ these issues, the Colombian has a free pass to go to Mais Querido.