Luca Meirelles positive about new cycle, sees strong Brazil U20 side | OneFootball

The start of the current Brazil U-20 National Team cycle represents a wide-open range of opportunities on equal terms. With the fourth day of work completed ahead of the friendlies against Paraguay, the players available to Paulo Victor have been working hard to earn their place. Forward Luca Meirelles says he is trying to adapt his game to the coach’s style, a task he says becomes easier when playing alongside a talented group like the current one.

At 19 and currently with Shakhtar (UKR), Luca is one of the most experienced players in the squad, something he used to assess the quality available to the Seleção.

“I think you could see it on the first day, very quickly, that we have a group with a lot of quality: a group of incredible human beings, a staff that gave us a lot of freedom so we can feel good on the field and comfortable off it. So being here at the start of this cycle is very important to me. I thank Paulo, the entire staff, and the Brazil National Team,” he said.

Luca Meirelles listens closely to Paulo Victor’s instructions during a Brazil U-20 training sessionCredits: Staff Images / CBF

The first challenge of this new phase will be against Paraguay, in friendlies on the 28th and 31st. The opponent is a familiar one for the player, who has already faced the South American rival in two friendlies as well, recording two wins. This time, he hopes the outcome will be the same.

“I played two friendlies against them in Paraguay. They’re a very tough team, a very South American kind of game, very physical, with a lot of contact. But in Brazil we have to control the game, keep the ball, push forward, attack. We have to come away with the win in a game like this,” he said.

To do that, he puts his playing traits at the service of the team, including the versatility to contribute to his teammates’ football.

Luca praises the U-20 group and highlights that having his club teammate Isaque (in the background) brings chemistry to the National TeamCredits: Staff Images / CBF

“Paulo gave me a lot of freedom, so it depends on the game, the moment. We have to understand what we need in order to do what’s best for the National Team. I try as much as possible to keep my characteristics, but I also try to adapt to my teammates so we can create the best plays. And having Isaque here, who is a club teammate I train with, also makes things easier,” he said, referring to the attacking midfielder who was also called up.

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