Versatile full-back impresses Dorival, eyes Corinthians spot | OneFootball

Left-back Hugo returned to the starting lineup for Corinthians in the 1-1 draw with Internacional last Wednesday at Beira-Rio, for the Brazilian Championship. The player has impressed coach Dorival Júnior in training and could earn more opportunities in the team.

Hugo had not started a match for Corinthians for about five months. His last game among the starting eleven was also against Inter, in the first round of the Brasileirão. That match ended with a 4-2 win for Corinthians at Neo Química Arena.

Since then, the 28-year-old player had been rarely used. He was sidelined for about a month due to inguinal hernia surgery. The wing-back returned at the beginning of September and has been regaining his place.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Versatility pleases Dorival

One of Hugo’s attributes that catches Dorival Júnior’s attention is his versatility. Besides playing as a full-back, he can also play as a wing-back or even as a center-back in a three-man defense, similar to what Angileri has been doing.

However, Hugo has been training in a new position. Dorival has been testing him in training as a midfielder, playing centrally. The player came on in this position in the 1-0 win over Fluminense in September at Maracanã.

This Wednesday, against Internacional, Hugo had a good performance as a wing-back on the left side and even scored a goal, which was disallowed for a marginal offside. Dorival praised the player’s performance and said he trusts his potential.

“Hugo came back from surgery, he’s a kid I believe can give us a great response. He played a very good match, and I hope he continues to develop because he has the potential to grow, whether playing on the wing or centrally, as he has already done. It’s another role he’s been training for and adapting to,” commented the coach.

Hugo’s numbers

Signed at the beginning of last year, Hugo has never managed to establish himself at Corinthians. He had a run in the first half of 2024, but lost his spot to Matheus Bidu after Ramón Díaz arrived and has since been used less frequently.

In total, he has played 67 matches for the club, 55 as a starter, with six assists. This season, he has played 16 times. He faces competition from Matheus Bidu and Fabrizio Angileri.

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