Ex-Flamengo & Palmeiras, Baiano wants Pulgar for Brazil: “Captain” | OneFootball

Junior Baiano, former Flamengo and Palmeiras center-back, said Erick Pulgar would be a starter for Brazil

Erick Pulgar has not been called up by the Chilean National Team for a few FIFA windows, but the Flamengo midfielder’s name remains a topic in Brazilian football. That is because, according to Junior Baiano, former Flamengo and Palmeiras center-back, Flamengo’s No. 5 would have a guaranteed place in the Brazilian National Team.

– Today there are many players abroad, and when they come together, they don’t show Brazilian football. Without a doubt, Pulgar would be a starter, he would be captain, he would run the team. Here, he plays a bit more as a marker, but he is a guy with a lot of quality in his passing and on set pieces -, said the former player, who came through at Fla, and added:

– Penalties, he scored a lot of goals in Italy. I’m a fan, I think Erick ended up on the right team. That style of play, with that intensity, with that desire, has already won over Flamengo’s fans -, Junior Baiano told the Chilean outlet As.

Why does the Brazilian National Team lack a defensive midfielder like Pulgar?

Currently, the holding midfield role in the Brazilian National Team is occupied by Andrey Santos, of Manchester United (ENG), and Bruno Guimarães, of Arsenal (ENG). Also on the list are Danilo Santos, of Botafogo, and Douglas Luiz, of Juventus (ITA).

Why doesn’t Pulgar play for the Chilean National Team anymore?

In the most recent FIFA windows, the midfielder asked not to be called up anymore by the Chilean National Team. According to the player himself, the decision is related to being 32 years old, with the goal of making room for the country’s younger players. As a result, Pulgar now only has Flamengo on his schedule for the season.

Who is Junior Baiano?

Junior Baiano had three spells as a center-back for the Most Beloved. Those periods were from 1989 to 1993, from 1996 to 1997, and in 2004. During that time, the defender won the 1990 Copa do Brasil and the 1992 Brazilian Championship.

In addition, the former defender emerged onto the world football stage back in 1990 with the title-winning goal in Mengão’s Copinha campaign. In any case, the goal came from a beautiful chipped finish against Juventus-SP.

What was Junior Baiano’s path after Flamengo?

Junior Baiano signed with Palmeiras right after being called up for the 1998 World Cup. With the São Paulo club, the center-back won two international titles: the 1998 Copa Mercosul and the 1999 Libertadores. So, despite his strong identification with Flamengo, Junior Baiano is more recognized among Palmeiras supporters.

What is the author’s opinion on Junior Baiano’s comment?

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