Andreas Pereira adapts quickly and impresses in early matches for Palmeiras | OneFootball

In the last days of the transfer window, Palmeiras made moves in the market and finalized the arrival of a long-time dream of the green-white board: Andreas Pereira. The midfielder was announced on the last day of August, but he quickly adapted and has been showing his worth.

Andreas Pereira has already played in Brazilian football between 2021 and 2022, when he defended Flamengo. The defensive midfielder, however, was in English football and wore the Fulham shirt for the last three seasons. It would be natural for him to have difficulties in readapting, but that did not happen.

The number 8 has only played four games for Palmeiras, but he has already shown what he came for. The midfielder's numbers are impressive: two goals and one assist even in just two games as a starter. Beyond that, what stands out most is his ability to read and distribute the game.

Andreas Pereira made his debut as a starter for Palmeiras in a 'trial by fire'. The defensive midfielder was in the starting 11 in the first leg of the Libertadores quarter-finals against River Plate, at the Monumental de Nuñez. The player's performance was highly praised by the green-white fans on social networks.

In such a confrontation, Andreas took a corner kick masterfully and assisted Gustavo Gómez's goal. According to Sofascore, the midfielder had 39 actions with the ball, contributing with two decisive passes and creating a great chance. He hit all the crosses he attempted, suffered two fouls and won two of five ground duels, in addition to making a cut and an interception.

Against Fortaleza, Andreas gained minutes already in the final stage, replacing Facundo Torres. With two shots from outside the box, the player was responsible for the last two goals of Palmeiras, turning the victory into a 4-1 rout.

Praise from Abel

In the return match against River Plate, last Wednesday, Andreas Pereira played only his second game as a starter for Palmeiras. The midfielder played more on the right side and could not escape the strong marking of the Argentine team, especially in the first half, having a more subdued performance.

In the second half, Andreas increased production, as did the green-white team in general. Falling back a little more to have more contact with the ball, the player was able to do what he does best: position himself as a passing option and help in the connection between defense and attack.

Not surprisingly, Andreas was praised by coach Abel Ferreira after the clash against River. In 78 minutes played, the number 8 had 73% accuracy in passes, completed two crosses, gave two decisive passes and also contributed with a tackle and an interception. The data is from Sofascore.

"Andreas is an extremely intelligent player. Often, the opponent boxed him in, made a double marking. He came to talk to me: 'Mister, I'm there, I can't give the passing line, I'll have to drop a little more'. Playing football, often, is exactly that: unmarking to where there is no one and passing to who is free. And he is an excellent player in that", evaluated Abel Ferreira in a press conference.

The trend now is for Andreas Pereira to maintain the position of starter for Palmeiras. Versatility is a strong characteristic of the player, who can act as a defensive midfielder, as a creative midfielder or as a classic midfielder.

Andreas Pereira's numbers for Palmeiras

Andreas Pereira arrived at Palmeiras at the end of August this year in a deal that revolved around 10 million euros (R$ 63 million at the time). The midfielder signed a contract valid until December 31, 2028 and was hired to replace the departure of Richard Ríos, sold to Benfica.

Next Palmeiras games

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.