Freitas keen on Flamengo joker role, notes Estudiantes' semi edge | OneFootball

Flamengo signing, 19-year-old forward spoke about the positions he can play under Jardim and other topics

Newly arrived at Flamengo, forward Joaquín Freitas is already showing total willingness to quickly adapt to the rubro-negro system. In a press conference given this Thursday (01) at Ninho do Urubu, the 19-year-old Argentine detailed the versatility that makes him a potential ‘joker’ in Leonardo Jardim’s attack and looked ahead to the Libertadores semifinal against Estudiantes (ARG).

In addition, during the conversation with the press, Freitas commented on how important this break from official matches during the FIFA international window has been. According to the player, it has helped him better understand what coach Jardim asks for tactically on the field.

HOW DOES LEONARDO JARDIM PLAN TO USE THE FORWARD?

Joaquín Freitas plays as a forward. In any case, the 19-year-old Argentine can play as a center forward or second striker, with mobility across the entire attacking sector. However, regarding his position, the youngster said he is at Leonardo Jardim’s disposal.

— I’ve always played as a center forward or winger, but I can also play out wide, on the flank. Last season, I played more out wide. So wherever the coach needs me, I’ll be there with the best attitude to give everything and do it in the best way possible -, Freitas said.

MATCH AGAINST ESTUDIANTES

Flamengo and Estudiantes face each other on October 15 in Argentina in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal. Aware of how difficult it is to face Argentine teams in the continental knockout stage, the forward previewed the clash and highlighted the extra motivation of the ‘hermanos’ in matches against Brazilian clubs.

— They have greater motivation when they play against Brazilian teams and they make for very difficult, very physical and highly contested matches. They run a lot, give everything, and that generally causes a lot of trouble for some teams. We saw that in the match against Corinthians, but we have to stay focused on our own game. If we do things well, if we play our game, we absolutely have a great chance of reaching the final. More than anything, we need to focus on ourselves and not so much on the opponent -, Freitas said.

WHAT DID FREITAS SAY ABOUT THE FIFA WINDOW?

So far, Freitas has played only 19 minutes, spread across three matches for Flamengo. However, his limited time on the pitch has already excited the fans: the number 30 has already recorded one assist.

Shortly after arriving at the rubro-negro club, the forward found an important ally in his adaptation: the FIFA window. According to the player, the period without official matches has been essential for adjusting tactical concepts that could not be absorbed in depth because of the packed schedule.

— These FIFA window days have been very important for me to settle into the group, keep getting to know the ideas, and finish adjusting some concepts that maybe I hadn’t picked up before because I was playing so often and there weren’t as many training sessions -, he said, before continuing:

— These days have also been good for getting my fitness up to speed. We’re working very hard and dedicating ourselves a lot to be at the best possible level for the remainder of the year -, Freitas said.

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