Batista hails youth duo for Corinthians clash: ‘Two top centre-backs’ | OneFootball

Corinthians will have two young players developed in the Under-20 squad as alternatives for the defensive system against Flamengo. Center-backs Iago Machado and Yago Melo were called up for this Sunday’s match (13), at 5:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at the Maracanã, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship.

The pair’s presence among Fernando Diniz’s options was celebrated by William Batista, coach of the club’s Under-20 side. In an interview with Meu Timão, the coach highlighted the work done by the defenders in the youth ranks and pointed out traits that could help them transition to the professional squad.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel / Ag. Corinthians

According to William, in addition to the dedication they show every day, Iago and Yago have important physical attributes for the position, such as speed and the ability to contest duels.

“We’re happy when these players who are in the Under-20s get an opportunity to be with the professional team. They are two great center-backs, I like both of them a lot. They are two guys with potential, dedicated and committed. They have physical presence in duels, they have the speed to control depth. They are guys who are competitive every day, and I believe they line up with what I think are pillars. As much as they become somewhat relevant for the youth setup, they are still smaller than the pillars. And if it is fair, I think this is the opportunity Diniz is giving them,” William began.

William highlights closeness between youth and professional squads

The use of players from the lower categories also involves contact between the coaching staffs. William revealed that Fernando Diniz closely follows the work being done with the Under-20s and holds frequent talks to understand which athletes can be called upon when there is a need in the main squad.

The coach also mentioned Júlio César, coordinator of the youth categories, and Claudinei Alves Damiani, youth director, while explaining the flow of information between the departments.

“Diniz is very close to us, very close to me, very close to the board. He has been talking with us about the players who can help him in the moments when he needs them up there. So this closeness in the exchange of information has been really nice, both with Júlio César, with our coordinator, with Damiani himself and with the coaching staff, so that the flow of information is good and the best players are with him whenever he needs them,” he added.

Iago Machado awaits first opportunity

At 17 years old, Iago Machado has been gaining more and more space in the professional team’s plans. According to reporting by Meu Timão, the defender could receive his first minutes for the main team precisely against Flamengo.

The youngster, born in 2009, is one of the recent prospects from Corinthians’ youth ranks and has already been integrated into the routine of the team coached by Fernando Diniz. This season, he has totaled 26 matches between the Under-20 and Under-17 teams, with four goals scored.

Iago was also on the bench for the professional team’s last six matches. The string of call-ups has brought the defender closer to a possible debut for the senior side.

Yago Melo reunites with former club

For Yago Melo, the match has a particular element. The center-back arrived at Corinthians in February of this year precisely after leaving Flamengo, the club where he stayed for eight seasons and even wore the captain’s armband in the Under-15 and Under-17 categories.

Since moving to Parque São Jorge, the defender has played 21 matches for the Under-20s and scored two goals. Under William Batista, he earned space in the team and currently forms the category’s starting center-back pairing alongside Levy Dias.

While Yago has established himself among the main options in the Under-20s, Iago has started splitting his routine between different categories, remaining available to the professional team and also the Under-17s in this final stretch of the season.

Both will be with the main squad this Sunday, when Corinthians visit Flamengo at the Maracanã. Timão take the field looking to end their recent winless streak and get back to earning three points in the Brazilian Championship.

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