Rafael Gonzaga handed first professional start as Cuca praises display | OneFootball

Rafael Gonzaga made his first professional start for Santos away to Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador in the Copa Sudamericana, drawing praise from head coach Cuca. According to Diario Do Peixe, the left-back’s performance was one of the team’s standout positives.

He was drafted in late after Escobar was ruled out with fever. Cuca chose to use a natural left-back rather than improvise, and felt Gonzaga stood out, particularly before the interval.

Gonzaga went off with cramp after tiring. Cuenca created some danger from crosses on his side, but he dealt with those moments well.

Cuca also reflected on the team’s reshaped approach for this game. Willian Arão was asked to improve the first phase of build-up, with greater depth from the full-backs and the wingers moving inside to free spaces for Moisés and Lautaro. He felt the final pass was missing despite near total control, with few chances conceded and Brazão unworked after half-time.

Santos face Atlético-MG on Saturday at 20:00 in the Campeonato Brasileiro. They then host Recoleta of Paraguay at Vila Belmiro on Tuesday at 21:30 Brasília time in the Copa Sudamericana.

Source: Diario Do Peixe