Official outlines plans to produce Flamengo's next Vini Jr and Paquetá | OneFootball

Alfredo de Almeida reflected on the development of new football talents during a Flamengo Academy workshop

During the mid-season break, Flamengo is making the most of the open schedule to integrate young prospects into the first team squad. Alfredo Almeida, the academy director, emphasized the importance of producing talents at the level of Vini Jr and Lucas Paquetá, with a focus on establishing these players in the elite squad.

The director stressed that the success of the academy depends on delivering players who are ready for the demands of professional football. Preparation must go beyond simply giving them a debut opportunity, aiming instead for the stability needed at the highest level.

— Not just getting there, but establishing themselves there. Our responsibility is to prepare the player, because often the opportunity does come, but afterward it is not aligned with the level of preparation the player had. It is our responsibility to produce more Vinícius Júnior, more Paquetás, players we know were ready for the opportunity —, he said, before continuing:

— We want more, and we have that responsibility to prepare them to cement themselves at the top, and then, whether it leads to a major transfer or titles in professional football, let it all happen together, but they have to be prepared —, the director stated.

HOW DOES THE INTEGRATION WITH THE FIRST TEAM WORK?

The break for the World Cup has changed the daily routine at Ninho do Urubu. As a result, Flamengo will use this time to observe and give playing time to prospects alongside the group led by Leonardo Jardim, expanding options for the team’s upcoming commitments this season.

The transition strategy takes place through constant monitoring between departments. According to Alfredo de Almeida, the alignment between the coaching staffs speeds up the players’ development.

— There was planning, discussion, and alignment between the academy and the first team regarding the players who will be part of the mid-season break, based on Leonardo Jardim’s needs. The most important thing is that they are prepared for these days, these moments, and these minutes they may get in training or for longer use —, he revealed.

— We talk and we are aligned; we know here what the first team currently has and what the academy has. I have no doubt that our first-team coach is extremely prepared and used to knowing what it means to work with the academy, with young players, and what is necessary for young players to establish themselves. More than just being aligned, Jardim also often helps in the development process of academy players, and that is fundamental —, he said.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S ACADEMY RESPONSIBILITY?

The discussion about player development also included Ryan Roberto’s move to Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR). After months of negotiations and being sidelined from the under-20 squad, the forward signed with the Ukrainian team for a fixed 9.5 million euros (R$ 56.31 million at the current exchange rate), plus performance-based bonuses, bringing an end to a contract that was set to expire in March 2027.

— For us to achieve our objectives, it takes two sides willing it: the club’s will and the player’s will. Everything the club could do was done. Flamengo presented its offer, structured everything, but then the player’s willingness also has to be there, and that is something we can no longer control. That was Ryan Roberto’s specific case —, he said.

The reflections of academy director Alfredo de Almeida brought the Flamengo Academy workshop to a close, with the focus on discussing the culture, processes, and methodologies adopted. In short, the initiative reinforced non-negotiable points for the technical success of the prospects developed by the red-and-black club.

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