How Vojvoda played a key role in Igor Vinícius’s rise at Santos | OneFootball

Igor Vinícius delivered what might have been one of his best performances in a Santos jersey last Saturday. The right-back played well against Palmeiras and highlighted the importance of coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda in his development process at Peixe.

The player joined Santos during a period of instability in the right-back position – he was signed by the club in July this year, along with the experienced Mayke, with whom he competes for the position. With Vojvoda's arrival, the number 18 didn't have many opportunities right away, but he patiently earned his spot.

“I arrived mid-year and shortly after Mayke came, he had some opportunities, and so did I. Since Vojvoda arrived, I wasn't playing, but I always tried to dedicate myself in training. And he's a guy who, even when I wasn't playing, would call me into his office, trying to show me what I was doing well or not, so I could improve,” the athlete revealed.

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“Vojvoda said I could have opportunities in the short term, long term, and asked me to prepare. He's someone who always cared about that, even when I wasn't playing. Now, I'm getting more opportunities and managing to play some good games. I'm happy with this last match as well, now I need to maintain this level,” he continued.

The competition for a spot in the starting lineup is intense, especially with the victorious and experienced Mayke as the main competitor in the right-back position. However, Igor Vinícius approaches the situation with complete naturalness and sees positive aspects in the healthy competition.

“I came here with the goal of helping the club, knowing the moment of restructuring it's going through. It's a great pride to be back and be here. We have to prove ourselves every day, every game, knowing we have great players and tough competition. The competition is always fierce, but having this competition makes us grow. That's how I see it. I'm very happy. I hope to continue playing well and keep evolving,” he analyzed.

Igor Vinícius's Numbers Against Palmeiras

Igor Vinícius was one of the best players for Santos in last Saturday's classic. According to Sofascore data, the right-back made one tackle, two interceptions, one clearance, and recovered five balls.

According to the statistics platform, the defender won nine out of 12 ground duels and committed only two fouls. In attack, he had 61 actions with the ball, completed seven dribbles, created one big chance, and also contributed with a key pass. He had an 83% pass accuracy rate.

According to the player, the two main factors for regaining his good form were the freedom on the field and the confidence placed in him by Vojvoda.

“I think it's the freedom he's been giving me. Not just the freedom, but also the confidence, in the offensive part. He's a coach who demands a lot from me in this regard, demands assists, that I have the courage to make crosses and plays. Combining all this, he knows the players' characteristics. He knows my strong offensive side and manages to create strategies so that I have more freedom on the field,” concluded the right-back.

(Photo: Reproduction/X @SantosFC)

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