Zé Lucas relishes new chance to wear Brazil Under-20 shirt | OneFootball

Zé Lucas praised the group and complimented coach Paulo VictorCredits: Nelson Terme / CBF

Cruzeiro midfielder Zé Lucas did not hide his pride at once again wearing the Brazil Under-20 national team shirt. Called up for this stage of preparation in Spain, the midfielder values the opportunity to represent the country and highlights the significance of being part of the group.

“It is a huge honor to be here with the Brazil Under-20 national team. I’m very proud to be here once again, representing this shirt, the heaviest shirt in football,” he said.

In Spain, Brazil will face three strong opponents: Denmark, the United States, and Mexico. For Zé Lucas, the run of matches requires attention from the very first game. The idea is to analyze each rival individually and use the matches to take another step in the team’s preparation.

“They are three difficult opponents, excellent national teams. We will study each one of them, take it step by step, so that we can play good matches and have excellent preparation,” he said.

The player also spoke about his versatility in playing two midfield roles: as a number 5, in a deeper position, and also as an 8, with more freedom to take part in building plays.

“Paulo Victor talks to me a lot, he really gets across the style of play he wants, the style of play he asks for, both as a 5 and as an 8. He asks me to perform both roles well, and I’m able to do that. I’m here for that, to serve him, the Brazil national team, and give my best, whether playing as a 5 or as an 8,” he said.

Competition for places in the squad is another aspect the player sees as a natural part of the process. Zé Lucas recognizes the quality of the teammates who were called up and knows that the choice of starters depends on the performances shown daily in training and in matches.

“We have very good players here in the Brazil national team, which is why they are here wearing this shirt. The competition happens day by day, in every training session, every game, and that is coach Paulo Victor’s criterion. But what I have to do is work hard, dedicate myself every day to earn that starting spot and play to help the Brazil national team,” he stressed.

With the South American Under-20 Championship in January as the main objective, Zé Lucas believes that every activity and every friendly carries weight in building the team.

“We will prepare as much as possible, make the most of every training session, every game, every friendly, so that we arrive at the South American Championship as prepared as possible and, God willing, win it,” he concluded.

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