Arão impresses on full debut, chasing first run in the Santos starting XI | OneFootball

Santos was defeated by Vitória last Monday night, 1-0, at Vila Belmiro, but may have received some good news for the final stretch of the season. Midfielder Willian Arão made his debut as a starter and could have his first run of games for Peixe.

Arão got his chance in the starting lineup due to the absence of João Schmidt, who was suspended after accumulating yellow cards. He partnered with Zé Rafael and, within the context of the match, was one of the most consistent players for Peixe, playing for 69 minutes.

According to Sofascore data, Arão had a pass accuracy rate of 82% (completing 36 out of 44 passes) and completed one long pass out of two attempts. The midfielder also recorded two tackles, two interceptions, and made one clearance, recovering four balls.

Willian Arão in action for Santos (Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)

Still according to the platform, the player won two out of six ground duels and four out of six aerial duels, in addition to committing only one foul. In total, he had 58 actions with the ball over the 69 minutes, after which he was substituted for Victor Hugo.

After the match, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda gave a brief analysis of Arão’s debut as a starter and assessed that the midfielder did what was asked of him.

“It was a process in which he had an injury; when I arrived, he was injured. We talked and we’ve come to have Arão, like all the other players, always available whenever I need him. They are important players in the squad. Today, he played a solid match and did what I asked,” said Vojvoda.

Midfielder aims for a run of games

Arão will now seek his first run of games for Santos. The midfielder may get another opportunity this Sunday, when Peixe visits Botafogo at 4pm (Brasília time), at Nilton Santos Stadium, for the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship.

This possibility is open due to the absence of Zé Rafael, who received his third yellow card in the defeat to Vitória and is suspended. João Schmidt returns from suspension and is expected to start in midfield. Thus, Arão is competing for a spot with Bontempo and Victor Hugo, as well as Rincón, who may return from injury.

It’s worth noting that Arão has not yet had a run of games for Santos. Right in his debut for the team, against Flamengo, he suffered a right calf injury and had to stay off the pitch for almost three months, returning only at the end of September.

Arão’s injury was initially treated as an edema, which would have kept him out for just a few days. However, the problem was more serious than expected, which led to criticism from some fans. As a result, the player has only three appearances in the Peixe shirt.

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