Corinthians promote Under-20 centre-backs for Flamengo trip as William Batista hails duo | OneFootball

According to Meu Timao, Corinthians will bolster Sunday’s 27th-round trip to Flamengo with academy defenders, as head coach Fernando Diniz can call on centre-backs Iago Machado and Yago Melo.

Under-20 coach William Batista praised the pair, highlighting their physicality, pace and competitiveness. He said it is encouraging when youth players earn senior opportunities, and believes both fit the principles he values.

Batista added that links between the academy and first team are strong, with regular dialogue involving Diniz and the board. He cited communication with Júlio César, Damiani and the coaching staff to keep information flowing.

Iago, 17, is expected to receive his first senior minutes. He is well regarded by Diniz’s staff.

This season he has 26 appearances across the Under-20 and Under-17, scoring four goals, and he has been named on the senior bench for the past six matches.

Yago Melo joined the Under-20s in February after eight years at Flamengo, where he captained the Under-15 and Under-17. Since arriving at Parque São Jorge, he has played 21 games and scored two, impressing Batista.

He currently partners Levy Dias at Under-20 level, while Iago is available to the senior side and the Under-17 for the run-in. Kick-off is at 17:30 at the Maracanã, with Corinthians seeking to halt a poor run.

Source: Meu Timao

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