Fans want Maílton as São Paulo’s first-choice right-back | OneFootball

The right-back position has long been one of the most lacking in the São Paulo squad. In recent years, the team has struggled with limited options in this area, but the problem seems to be heading towards a solution by 2025.

In a poll conducted by Gazeta Esportiva, 47.92% of fans believe that the newly signed Maílton should be the starter in this position, while 43.75% think it should be Cédric. Meanwhile, 8.33% support Crespo betting on the young Maik.

Fans want Maílton as São Paulo's starting right-back (Photo: reproduction)

The Tricolor started the year without Rafinha, the starter in previous seasons, and only with Moreira and Igor Vinícius as options. Both, however, were negotiated and left the club.

Aiming to strengthen the sector, São Paulo's management brought in the experienced Portuguese Cédric Soares, who quickly assumed the starting role. The player took some time to win over the fans and establish himself in the team, but he gained confidence in recent games and has become an important part of Hernán Crespo's team. In total, the defender has played 36 games and provided two assists for São Paulo.

Another option gaining ground in the team is the young academy player Maik. The 20-year-old was one of the club's highlights in the Copinha and started getting chances with Crespo. He even scored his first professional goal in the 2-2 draw with Sport in the Brazilian Championship. In total, he has played three games for the main team.

Finally, the newly signed Mailton arrives with the potential to fight for the starting position. Signed by São Paulo in the last transfer window, the player was one of Chapecoense's standouts in Serie B, with six goals and six assists in 20 games.

Currently, due to the number of games, Cédric has established himself as the starting right-back, but the competition for the spot increases with Mailton's arrival and Maik's good form. It is up to Crespo to decide who will be the main player in the position until the end of the year.

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