Cuca praises Oliva’s progress at Santos and his impact in attack | OneFootball

Christian Oliva’s resurgence is driving Santos, the Uruguayan has scored three in his last four games, including the 2-0 win over Atlético-MG in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-final first leg at Vila Belmiro on Wednesday 9. He has started the past three matches.

According to Diario Do Peixe, coach Cuca has underlined the midfielder’s growing importance and the patience behind it, noting the schedule leaves little time for specific training. Oliva joined in February for US$ 1.5 million, around R$ 8 million at the time, and has earned his place despite the arrival of Arthur.

Once seen mainly as a ball-winner, Oliva has begun to arrive in the box more often, scoring against Corinthians and Internacional in the league before striking again against Atlético-MG.

Against Atlético-MG he lined up alongside Gustavo Henrique and helped a unit that kept a clean sheet, leaving Santos in control of the tie.

Santos can lose by up to one goal in the return at Arena MRV and still reach the semi-finals.

Before the second leg on Wednesday 16 at 19:00, Santos face Cruzeiro on Saturday 12 at 21:00 in the 27th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, and sit 13th on 32 points.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”