Coutinho, Nuno Moreira key for Diniz, lead Vasco’s busy run | OneFootball

Philippe Coutinho and Nuno Moreira have established themselves as the most important players for Vasco in the Fernando Diniz era. The two midfielders have been starters in the last 15 matches and have become essential pieces of the coach's system, which sees in the duo the expression of his style based on ball possession, movement, and offensive intensity.

Under Diniz, Coutinho only missed games when he was suspended or recovering from injury. The number 10 missed one game after being sent off against Fortaleza in the Brasileirão and was out for four matches due to a calf injury. Nuno Moreira was even more impressive: since the coach's arrival, he has been a starter in every game.

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Nuno Moreira celebrates his goal in Vasco vs. Vitória, for Brasileirão 2025 — Photo: André Durão

Numbers that explain the confidence

Since Diniz's debut, Coutinho has scored six goals and provided two assists, regaining his prominence in Brazilian football. In good physical shape, he has become decisive again and has delighted the fans with consistent performances. The coach does not hide his admiration for the number 10.

– I think he is increasingly qualifying himself to compete in a World Cup. He has an advantage because he doesn't need to be tested. He is training more, getting injured less, and game by game, he positions himself as a candidate for a spot — stated Diniz.

Alongside him, Nuno Moreira is also experiencing a great phase. The Portuguese player has five goals and five assists under the coach's command, directly contributing to ten of the team's goals. Besides his decision-making power, he impresses with his tactical intelligence.

– Nuno is one of the most intelligent players in the squad. Very participative, decisive, and with a good number of goals for his position. We ask him once, and he perfectly understands what needs to be done — highlighted the coach.

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Coutinho's celebration in the match between Vasco vs. Bahia — Photo: André Durão

Collective effect: best attack in Brazil with Diniz

The importance of the duo also appears in the team's results. With the four goals scored in the victory over Vitória, Vasco reached 35 goals since Fernando Diniz's debut — the best attack in the Brasileirão during this period. This number surpasses Palmeiras and Flamengo, both with 33.

With Coutinho and Nuno as technical and tactical references, Vasco sustains its best offensive phase in years and strengthens the squad's confidence for the remainder of the season.

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