Mattos backs Lautaro Díaz and says Série A clubs have made enquiries | OneFootball

According to Diario Do Peixe, Santos football director Alexandre Mattos has defended Lautaro Díaz amid criticism and said the forward has drawn interest from Série A clubs. The executive argued Díaz offers value beyond goals.

The Argentine has been targeted by sections of the fanbase for a shortage of goals and limited impact in games. Some incidents, including stumbling on the ball and awkward finishes, have amplified scrutiny.

Mattos said there had been four enquiries from major top-flight sides and suggested not every striker is a headline-grabbing finisher. He described Díaz as a team-first player coaches appreciate, adding that selection rests with the head coach and noting he backed the signing.

Díaz joined in September on loan from Cruzeiro. His deal runs until July, with a purchase option and scope to extend through to the end of the year.

Last season he recorded two assists and three goals in 15 Brasileirão appearances. This year he has featured in seven matches so far, six in the Paulistão and one in the Brasileiro.

In total for Santos he has two assists and three goals in 22 games.

Born in Buenos Aires, Díaz came through Estudiantes de Caseros, then Villa Dálmine, before moving to Independiente del Valle, where he won the Copa Sudamericana in 2022, the Recopa Sudamericana in 2023 and the Super Taça Equador in 2023. He later had his first spell in Brazil with Cruzeiro.

Source: Diario Do Peixe