Why Saúl opposes fewer foreign players in the Brasileirão | OneFootball

Saúl, of Flamengo, criticizes the possible reduction in the number of foreign players in the Brasileirão

Spanish midfielder Saúl criticized the possible reduction in the number of foreign players in national competitions, a topic currently being discussed in Brazilian football. For the foreigner, the change could hurt the technical level of the Brasileirão if nationality matters more than the quality of the players on the pitch.

– I can only speak for myself, but I believe this is not good for the league. If you need to field more Brazilian players, it has to be because they are of a good level, not because they are Brazilian. I don’t know whether the change will happen or not, but if it does, I believe it will lower the level of the Brasileirão -, the player said.

Why is the CBF considering reducing the number of foreign players?

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) approved a gradual reduction in the number of foreign players listed per match in the Brasileirão. The idea is to open up more space for players developed in the youth academies of Brazilian clubs themselves.

However, Saúl argues that the demand for local players should be based on technical performance, not simply on the player’s nationality. Otherwise, the Spaniard warns that the restriction could compromise the competitiveness of the national championship.

How many foreign players does Flamengo have in its squad?

On the other hand, 10 foreign players are part of Flamengo’s first-team squad. Uruguayans Arrascaeta, Varela and De La Cruz; Chilean Pulgar; Spaniard Saúl; Argentines Joaquín Freitas and Agustin Rossi; Ecuadorians Anthony Valencia and Gonzalo Plata, as well as Colombian Carrascal.

When does Flamengo return to the pitch after the FIFA international break?

The Super FIFA international break ends on October 6. Therefore, Rubro-Negro’s first commitment is against Santos on the 8th, starting at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, for the Brasileirão.

What else did Saúl say?

Saúl’s criticism of the gradual reduction of foreign players per game in the Brasileirão came during a press conference at Ninho do Urubu. In the same interview, the Spaniard lamented Arrascaeta’s injury, but sees alternatives for the star’s absence.

– Arrascaeta is unique, there is no other player like him. You can put Carrascal, Lino, Paquetá, De La Cruz, Plata there. There are many players who can play in that role, but not like him. He is unique, he worked very hard to become the legend that he is -, said the midfielder, who added:

– I’m friends with him, because of the language, we spend time together. He is a different kind of player, a major loss for us. I hope he has a speedy recovery; we will stay close to him so that he is well. I hope he comes back earlier than expected -, highlighted the number 8.

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