Dorival sees Memphis as Corinthians centre-forward with Yuri Alberto sidelined | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior views Memphis as Corinthians’ centre-forward while Yuri Alberto continues his recovery, taking a cue from how the Netherlands use the forward.

Since Alberto sustained a grade two injury to his left hamstring, Vitinho and Gui Negão have featured in attack alongside the Dutchman. According to Globo.com, the coach believes Memphis can lead the line as the number 9.

After the 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Dorival said Memphis knows the role from international duty, is a natural finisher and can be used with one or with two forwards.

The Cruzeiro match was Memphis’ eighth outing of the year, having missed the first five games while treating bone oedema in his left knee and working on muscular rebalancing. He has yet to score in 545 minutes this season.

The staff have exercised extra caution over his fitness. In early January, the Dutchman met Dorival and asked for greater understanding over his use in the opening matches.

He set a personal target of being in peak condition for the Conmebol Libertadores and the World Cup. Corinthians face Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista semi-finals on Saturday at 20:30 Brasília time.

Source: Globo.com