Flamengo step up academy monitoring during the international break | OneFootball

The international break has given Leonardo Jardim room to bring nine U-20 players closer to the Flamengo first-team routine. The move expands the evaluation of the youth academy, although it does not represent an immediate promotion to the senior squad.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that Johnny, Daniel Salles, Ramires, Ítalo Pereira, Lucas Falcone, Joshua, Jhefinho, Josmar and Douglas Telles have joined the team’s training sessions during the period without matches. The list includes players from different positions and broadens the options being assessed by the coaching staff.

Leonardo Jardim is taking advantage of the absences of called-up players such as Pedro, Samuel Lino, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Guillermo Varela and Anthony Valencia, as well as Ayrton Lucas, Evertton Araújo and Gonzalo Plata, who are in the medical department.

The injury to the No. 10, confirmed last Monday the 2nd, increased attention on the creative midfield area. In the friendly between South Korea and Uruguay, the attacking midfielder suffered a fracture in his left wrist and is expected to undergo surgery.

Leonardo Jardim remains cautious with the youngsters

The closer integration of youth players is nothing new at Flamengo. During the mid-season break, Jardim had already taken young players to Portugal and indicated that he intended to get to know the players developed at Ninho do Urubu better.

The coach, however, remains cautious when it comes to using them in official matches. The Portuguese manager understands that this stage of the season demands experience. With Flamengo involved in important competitions, there is less room for experimentation.

For that reason, the strategy has been to place the youngsters in the professional environment, monitor their development, and avoid a rushed promotion. Joshua is one of those who has already moved closer to the options used by Leonardo Jardim.

The attacking midfielder was among the substitutes before the international break, while Johnny also stood out during preparations in Portugal. Josmar, meanwhile, has been watched as an option for the attack.

Flamengo youngsters gain importance in the final stretch

The presence of the nine players also creates an exchange between the senior side and the U-20s. Josmar, Joshua, Jhefinho, Lucas Falcone and Johnny started in the 3-1 defeat to Fluminense in the U-20 Guanabara Cup last Saturday.

The routine keeps the youngsters in a competitive rhythm and close to the main coaching staff. In addition to monitoring the youth ranks, Flamengo uses the players to complete training sessions and help players returning from injury regain match sharpness.

The professional team’s next match will be on October 8 against Santos at Vila Belmiro in the Brazilian Championship. After that, the schedule includes the two Libertadores semifinal matches against Estudiantes on October 15 and 22.

Until then, the Portuguese coach will have time to assess which of the youngsters being observed can stop being just training squad fillers and effectively become part of Flamengo’s senior squad.

For the youth setup, the international break represents more than just a circumstantial opportunity. It is a kind of internal showcase. For Leonardo Jardim, it is also a way to broaden his knowledge of the squad before a run of matches in which every option could carry greater weight.

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