From a gamble to first team: how André cemented his place at Corinthians | OneFootball

Midfielder André emerged as a bet by coach Dorival Júnior, known for his work with youth players, amid a shortage in the Corinthians midfield. Like lightning, the youngster established himself in the Timão’s senior squad and secured a starting spot in the sector at the beginning of this season.

Revealed in the Corinthians youth academy, the 19-year-old already looks like a veteran in the black-and-white midfield—at least, that’s what Dorival said in a press conference last Sunday, after another positive performance by the midfielder. He found the net and was decisive in the 1-0 victory over São Bernardo, which took Timão to the quarterfinals of the Paulista.

André has all the characteristics of a midfielder who is very eager in marking, but also likes to get into the box and present himself as an option in attack. Not by chance, the youngster has already scored four goals in just 20 matches for the Corinthians senior team. His presence in the box has already led to comparisons with some Timão idols, such as Elias, Paulinho, and many others.

“I believe I’m going through a good phase, and that’s very important to me. I just have to thank God, the coach [Dorival Júnior], and Lucas [Silvestre, assistant coach] for the opportunities they’ve been giving me. It’s always important to score, to leave my mark there. I was happy once again. One play before the goal, the coach shouted for me to get into the box. In the next play, I arrived from behind, the ball fell to me, and I was lucky,” celebrated the player.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Before the match against São Bernardo, André wasn’t even being considered for the squad due to a ligament injury in his left ankle. The midfielder, however, surprised everyone with his recovery and not only made himself available, but even started the match.

After the injury, the youngster returned to play the full 90 minutes and was able to contribute with the winning goal. After a loose ball at the edge of the box, he struck it first time and found the back of the net.

“After the Derby, my ankle was really swollen. The next day, I had tests and it showed a ligament injury, but the staff at the club, those guys are phenomenal, there’s nothing to say about them. Thanks to their work, I managed to return to the pitch, everything worked out. I was happy to come back as a starter, scoring and helping to qualify as well,” he said appreciatively.

Market Interest

André was ‘picked up’ from the Corinthians youth by Dorival Júnior’s coaching staff, who saw potential in the 19-year-old. He was called up for first-team training, impressed, and made his debut last September, amid a shortage of players in the position. At the time, Bidon was suspended, while Charles, Raniele, and Martínez were injured.

Quickly, the youngster proved his worth with consistent performances and firmly established himself as an option for Dorival. Already at the start of this season, André secured a starting spot and maintained his performance level, even attracting market interest. According to the portal Meu Timão, Inter Milan has reportedly made an inquiry about the midfielder in recent days.

“I believe this is very important, but my mind is totally here at the club. I leave that to the board, my agent, those people who handle it. For me, it’s important, I see the news and I’m happy. These are clubs we always watch, everyone likes to watch the Champions League, but my mind is 100% focused here at Corinthians to have a year of great achievements,” said the player.

André has a contract with Corinthians until December 2029, with a release clause of R$112 million for the domestic market and 100 million euros (about R$620 million at the current exchange rate) for foreign clubs.

Praise from the Coach

In the press conference after the match against São Bernardo, André received high praise from Dorival Júnior, who highlighted the midfielder’s maturity despite his young age.

“[André] Has been drawing attention with his performances, not just for the goals, but for the way he’s been behaving, with few games in the professional team, but already giving the impression of having experience within the team. I hope he keeps up this attitude,” said the coach, who added: “I feel he’s a very calm, humble kid with huge growth potential.”

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