Physical data show why Flamengo swapped Plata for Valencia; see stats

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Coluna do Fla

·31 August 2026

Physical data show why Flamengo swapped Plata for Valencia; see stats

Report reveals physical scouting report used by the board to justify signing the Ecuadorian

Reporters Rock Hudson, from Coluna do Fla, and Gabriel Orphao, from Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, obtained access to Flamengo’s physical scouting report. Therefore, the material explains the reason behind the swap involving Anthony Valencia and Gonzalo Plata. The board was looking for a profile with more stamina and intensity in attack.

What do the physical scouting numbers show?

Per hour of play, Valencia covers 9,976 meters, compared to Plata’s 8,773 meters. So the difference is nearly 1 kilometer more run per match. Valencia’s average pace also surpasses that of the Ecuadorian who was sold abroad.Valencia maintains 166 meters per minute on the field, while Plata records 146. Therefore, the new signing sets a more relentless pace over the ninety minutes. The repeated bursts of speed further reinforce this difference between the players.

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Valencia totals 18.5 sprints per game, almost double Plata’s 12.7. In this way, the newly signed Ecuadorian produces high-speed bursts far more often. However, Plata still has the edge in top speed, at 33.47 km/h.

According to the board, out goes isolated speed and in comes a tireless engine on the field. Thus, the idea is to maintain high intensity throughout the entire match. The goal is for the team to fade less in the second half.

This problem already showed up in recent matches against Botafogo and Cruzeiro. Therefore, Flamengo hopes to correct this drop in performance with the new physical profile. Valencia’s endurance emerges as a direct response to this tactical need.

What about the fee and Valencia’s situation in the squad?

Flamengo sold Gonzalo Plata to Dynamo Moscow for 12 million euros (around R$ 72 million). In contrast, Anthony Valencia cost 5 million euros, around R$ 30 million. The Ecuadorian joined Flamengo from Royal Antwerp (BEL).

For the Ecuador national team, Valencia serves precisely as Gonzalo Plata’s immediate backup. Thus, the two players were already competing for the same spot even before the club swap. However, they now continue their careers separately in different leagues around the world.

Valencia may be included in Flamengo’s squad for the next match. However, the club is still preparing the Ecuadorian’s official announcement. The coaching staff is assessing the ideal moment to use the new forward.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With a chance to make his debut, the Rubro-Negro face Mirassol in a postponed match from the fourth round of the Brasileirão on Wednesday (02). The clash kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã.

What is the author’s opinion on the comparative data between Valencia and Plata?

So, it seems the stats challenge the idea that Valencia has injury problems. At least I hope so. Because we can’t have another permanent member of the medical department,” said João Vítor Reis, from Coluna do Fla.

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