Arão returns to familiar role, from unknown to key man at Santos | OneFootball

Willian Arão returned to a very familiar role for him in the last two games for Santos. The midfielder played as an improvised defender and, after a turbulent start, went from an unknown to a solution for Peixe, proving he can contribute significantly in good physical shape.

Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda tested Arão as a defender in two 'trial by fire' matches this season, both recently. The midfielder took on this role in the derby against Palmeiras and repeated it in the match against Flamengo, proving to be a 'wild card' on the field.

Against Palmeiras, Arão started playing as a central defender in the back three, especially during Santos' offensive phase. Against Flamengo, the number 15 began the match as a midfielder but moved to defense after Luan Peres left, following a head collision with Arrascaeta.

(Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)

According to Sofascore data, Arão made 11 clearances and four interceptions in the derby. Against Flamengo, he was noted for the penalty on Bruno Henrique but also posted good numbers, with six clearances, two aerial duels won, and two balls recovered.

Despite the defeats in both games, the player was one of the team's positive points. Besides having quality with the ball at his feet, Arão showed a sense of positioning when playing further back, whether in a three-man defense line or with just one partner in defense.

Playing as a defender is not new in Willian Arão's career. The Santos player has been improvised in this position before when he was still with Flamengo in 2021, under Rogério Ceni's command. Coincidentally, he was also moved back for the first time against Palmeiras. With him in the role, the Rubro-Negro won the Brazilian championship.

Arão goes from unknown to solution

Willian Arão started his stint at Santos in a troubled manner, and his future at the club was uncertain. Right after his first game, the midfielder was diagnosed with 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 significant than expected, leading to criticism from some fans regarding the handling of the case. His future at the club was even questioned.

The midfielder, however, was reborn after recovering from the injury and went from 'problem' to solution, proving he can be very useful to the team in this final stretch of the year. The player returned to games on October 15, when he came on in the final minutes of the derby against Corinthians.

Since then, Arão has played in six consecutive matches, starting in half of them. He has a total of seven appearances with the Santos jersey. He hasn't contributed with goals or assists yet but is consolidating himself as an important piece for Vojvoda.

Santos' situation in the standings

Santos is in a delicate situation in the Brasileirão and is in the relegation zone. Peixe is in 17th place with 33 points – two less than Vitória, the first team outside the Z4. The Santos team hasn't won in five rounds of the competition.

Upcoming Santos matches

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