Player makes surprise Brazil-Flamengo comparison after World Cup debut | OneFootball

Douglas Santos battles Alex Sandro of Flamengo for a starting spot

Playing for Flamengo is the height of fame for an athlete, according to Douglas Santos, a full-back for the Brazil National Team. That’s because the defender mentioned the Most Beloved when describing the feeling of being recognized since being called up for the World Cup.

“It’s as if I were playing for Flamengo. Now everyone knows me,” the athlete told O Globo. The left-back is even battling for a starting place in the Seleção with Alex Sandro, from the Rubro-Negro.

Was Douglas Santos not well known?

The defender has been away from Brazil for a long time. Granada (Spain) bought him while he was still in Náutico’s youth ranks in 2013. However, adapting to Spanish football was difficult for Douglas, who was signed by Udinese (Italy) the following year.

So the youngster returned to Brazil later in 2014, when the Italian club decided to loan him to Atlético-MG, where he stayed for three seasons. Then Hamburg (Germany) signed him in 2017, and Zenit (Russia) brought him in in 2020, where he still plays today.

Was Douglas Santos angling for a move to Flamengo?

It seems the player knows that Flamengo is looking for a full-back on the market. However, the 32-year-old is under contract with Zenit until mid-2027. According to Transfermarkt, Douglas Santos is valued at 7.5 million euros (R$ 44.2 million).

Does Flamengo really want a full-back?

The Rubro-Negro has Ayrton Lucas and Alex Sandro available. However, the national team player only intends to renew with the Most Beloved for one more year. Meanwhile, the other player in the position has not pleased Flamengo fans.

Did Alex Sandro lose out to Douglas Santos in the national team?

Carlo Ancelotti gave the starting spot to the Zenit full-back in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco. Alex Sandro stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes, but he could get minutes against Haiti on Friday (19).

Who else from Flamengo is in the Brazil squad?

Besides Alex Sandro, Carlo Ancelotti also called up Lucas Paquetá, Léo Pereira and Danilo. Of the four, only the natural center-back did not take the field against Morocco, but he could also get minutes against Haiti.

The ball starts rolling at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Lincoln Financial Field in the United States. So, Coluna do Fla will bring the match result with a focus on the performance of Flamengo players.

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