With Yuri Alberto out, Memphis may lead Corinthians' attack: "A natural finisher" | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior is still searching for a number 9 for Corinthians due to the absence of Yuri Alberto, who is currently in the medical department. In the coach’s view, this player could be the Dutchman Memphis Depay.

Memphis played as the main striker in two of the last three matches for Timão. He started in this role in Curitiba, against Athletico-PR, and took on the position again last Wednesday, coming on in the second half of the match against Cruzeiro at Mineirão.

This positioning is nothing new for the player. Although he is used to having more freedom to roam in Corinthians’ attack, he is accustomed to playing as a center forward for the Netherlands national team. Dorival sees him as a “natural finisher.”

“He plays in this position for the Netherlands, he knows the area. He’s a natural finisher. There’s no reason not to use him in this position, whether with one or two strikers,” said the coach in a press conference.

Open Position

The starting number 9 spot at Corinthians has been open since Yuri Alberto’s injury. In addition to testing Memphis in the position, Dorival has given opportunities to Gui Negão and Pedro Raul. However, both had quiet performances when they were fielded.

Gui Negão started against Portuguesa last Sunday but did not shine. The same happened with Pedro last Wednesday, against Cruzeiro. The option that worked best was precisely against Athletico, with Memphis leading the attack and Vitinho playing as the second striker.

Yuri Alberto is expected to be sidelined for about two more weeks due to a grade 2 injury to the biceps femoris in his left thigh. An undisputed starter, he is the team’s top scorer in 2026, with three goals.

On the other hand, Dorival should soon have a new option for the offensive sector: Kaio César. The striker is in the final stages of recovery from a right thigh injury.

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Current Standings

The draw made Corinthians jump two spots in the Brasileirão standings, reaching third place with seven points. So far, Timão has two wins, one draw, and two losses in the tournament. Dorival Júnior’s team now shifts focus to the semifinal of the Paulista, against Novorizontino, this Saturday.

Corinthians’ Next Match

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