Robinho Jr. takes his chance, pushing for more minutes at Santos | OneFootball

Santos has a gem in their hands. Last Wednesday, Peixe managed to draw 1-1 against Grêmio, at Vila Belmiro, for the 26th Brazilian Championship. The result was largely due to the entry of a young player greatly admired by the fans: Robinho Júnior.

Robinho Jr. was called up by coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda around the 33rd minute of the second half and replaced Rollheiser. The 17-year-old boy entered the field with Santos behind in the score and was mainly responsible for 'igniting' the match, giving the team new momentum in the search for a draw.

The number 7 also had an indirect participation in Peixe's equalizing goal. He took a corner from the left and Zé Rafael managed to control it, hitting the crossbar. On the rebound, Lautaro Díaz headed for the empty goal and decreed the result at 1-1.

Before and after the goal, Robinho Jr. actively participated in Santos' offensive play. According to numbers from Sofascore, the youngster had 16 actions with the ball in just 12 minutes played, got 100% of the passes he tried (7/7) and registered two decisive passes.

In addition, the forward also completed two out of five crosses, had a shot blocked, completed a dribble and won all the duels fought on the ground (2/2). There was still time for Robinho Jr. to get a tackle.

Robinho Jr. in action for Santos against Grêmio (Photo: Raul Baretta/ Santos FC)

Competition is strong

Robinho Jr. made his debut in Santos' professional team against Flamengo, for the 14th round of the Brazilian Championship, still under the command of coach Cléber Xavier. The boy left good impressions and was highly praised by the fans, who asked for more minutes for the boy.

Since then, Robinho Jr. has had opportunities in four other matches, but accumulated low playing time against Internacional, Mirassol, Atlético-MG and Grêmio. The match against the Tricolor Gaúcho was only the boy's second with Juan Pablo Vojvoda in charge.

Vojvoda, in fact, stressed his appreciation for the base and said he is happy with the young players he has at his disposal at the club. "Santos has always had this potential. I am happy with these young people and I have my obligation to help them," said the coach at a press conference on Wednesday.

Despite the potential shown, Robinho Jr. faces strong competition in Santos' attack. Barreal usually plays on the right side in Santos' current formation, while Rollheiser can also perform this function. Paraguayan Caballero, signed this season, also plays on this side.

Robinho Jr. has, in total, five games for the professional team. The 17-year-old has not yet participated with goals or assists, but made it clear that he is in search of more minutes and can contribute - and a lot - offensively, especially in a Santos that has been struggling to shake the nets.

Santos' situation in the Brasileiro

With the draw against Grêmio, Santos continues to border the relegation zone. Juan Pablo Vojvoda's team is in 16th place, with 28 points, three more than Vitória, which opens the Z4. The difference decreased with the triumph of the team from Bahia over Ceará, by 1 to 0, last Thursday.

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