Academy prospect debuts for Santos, Cuca praises character | OneFootball

A highly rated youngster from Santos’ youth academy, Rafael Gonzaga got the chance to make his professional debut last Wednesday. The left-back started in the 1-0 loss to Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador, in the opening round of the Copa Sudamericana.

The opportunity came amid absences at left-back. Vinícius Lira suffered a serious injury to his left knee, while Escobar was ruled out at the last minute, just before the match, after coming down with a fever. Cuca then decided to field the 18-year-old, who made a good impression.

“Until yesterday, Escobar was going to play. Today, he had a fever and wasn’t fit enough. And rather than improvise or put someone out there, I’m going to throw in a natural [full-back]. I have no doubts,” the coach explained.

“He did well in the game for as long as he could, and came off with cramps. Rafael Gonzaga showed character, especially in the first half. They created some chances down that side with crosses, but he did well,” he concluded.

Gonzaga had already been included in the squad for matches against Cruzeiro and Flamengo, both in the Brazilian Championship, but was not used. This time, he got his chance amid the absences in the position and could establish himself as Escobar’s immediate backup while Vini Lira recovers.

Gonzaga’s debut by the numbers

Rafael Gonzaga had a positive debut for Santos’ first team. According to Sofascore data, the youngster recorded 52 touches, completed one dribble, created one big chance, and connected on two of the six crosses he attempted. In addition, he made three key passes and completed 65% of his passes.

Defensively, the 18-year-old also held his own. In total, he registered seven defensive contributions, according to the stats platform. He also made two interceptions and four clearances, along with two recoveries, two ground duels won, and two aerial duels won.

Rafael Gonzaga started out at the under-11 level and has been in Santos’ youth setup since 2019. Seen as a player with potential, he signed his first professional contract in 2024, with a deal running through May 2027. The youngster has also earned call-ups to Brazil’s youth national teams.

Santos’ upcoming matches

Santos vs. Atlético-MG (11th round of the Brasileirão) Date and time: 04/11 (Saturday), at 8:00 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)

Santos vs. Deportivo Recoleta-PAR (second round of the Copa Sudamericana) Date and time: 04/14 (Tuesday), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)

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