From scapegoat to key man: Lucas Piton shines in Vasco defence | OneFootball

After a first half of ups and downs and criticism, Lucas Piton is experiencing a new phase at Vasco. Recovered from injury and back as a starter, the left-back has been a key piece in the team’s strong defensive performance in the recent rounds of the Brasileirão.

Since returning to Fernando Diniz’s team, Piton has started in three consecutive matches — against Fortaleza, Fluminense, and Red Bull Bragantino — and Vasco did not concede a single goal in any of them. The defensive solidity coincides with the arrival of new names in the sector: Carlos Cuesta, Robert Renan, and Barros, reinforcements who have brought more balance and security to the Cruzmaltino back line.

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Photos: Matheus Lima/Vasco.

With the system more organized, the number 6 has once again played with offensive freedom, one of his main strengths. In the last match, against Bragantino, it was his cross that led to Pablo Vegetti’s goal, paving the way for the 3-0 away victory. Although some statistical databases did not count the assist due to a deflection by the São Paulo defense, the play reaffirms the connection between Piton and Vegetti, a partnership already well-known to the fans.

In the 2025 season, Piton has 10 assists and one goal in 48 matches, making him the full-back with the most assists in the Brasileirão, alongside Paulo Henrique, his teammate.

Even after his starting spot was threatened during his injury — when Puma Rodríguez took over and was praised by the coaching staff — Piton regained his place with consistent performances since the last FIFA break.

With 149 official matches for Vasco, the full-back is one of the most consistent players in the squad and the outfield player with the most appearances since his arrival in 2023. In that period, only goalkeeper Léo Jardim, with 161 matches, has played more often.

The numbers prove his consistency: no Vasco player has provided more assists in the last three editions of the Brasileirão. There were four in 2023, five in 2024, and already six this year.

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Lucas Piton, from Vasco, against Fortaleza — Photo: Dikran Sahagian/Vasco

Amidst the team’s good collective phase and the defensive balance achieved in recent rounds, Lucas Piton reaffirms his role as a protagonist at left-back and shows why he has become one of the technical references of the Vasco squad.

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