Piton’s drop in form could see Vasco revisit an old target | OneFootball

The planning of Vasco da Gama for the left-back position has undergone a strategic and urgent change of course in the last few hours. Faced with the difficulties imposed by Nottingham Forest in releasing Cuiabano, the club's management may have a new priority target in the national market: Juninho Capixaba from Red Bull Bragantino.

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Vasco's strategy to cover the possible departure of Lucas Piton

The intense search for a high-profile left-back is not by chance. The undisputed starter in the position, Lucas Piton, has been a constant target of speculation and proposals from European football. With the international window open and the player's increased value, Vasco understands that it needs to anticipate a potential sale to avoid leaving the squad unprotected. The idea is not just to bring in a backup to fill the group, but rather a “ready” player, capable of taking over the starting position immediately if Piton leaves the club, or to offer strong competition that raises the level of competitiveness in the sector.

The negotiations for Cuiabano, which was plan A, hit a snag due to the rigidity of the English. With no time to lose, Vasco's football department may see Juninho Capixaba as the ideal market opportunity. There are no negotiations about the player yet, nor do there seem to be any inquiries made. But undeniably, he could be a good name.

Juninho Capixaba is speculated at Vasco – Photo: Reproduction

Who is Juninho Capixaba? And how does he fit into Diniz's team?

Juninho Capixaba is a 28-year-old left-back with extensive experience in the Brazilian Championship Serie A. Revealed by Bahia, he has had significant stints at giants like Corinthians, Grêmio, and Fortaleza, before establishing himself as a key player at Red Bull Bragantino. This experience in high-pressure clubs is seen as a fundamental differential for him to wear the Vasco shirt without feeling the weight of responsibility.

Tactically, Capixaba is the “perfect match” with Fernando Diniz's style. Known for his offensive vocation, he doesn't limit himself to running down the sideline; he has the technical quality to build the game from the inside, act as a wing-back in a line of five, or even advance as a midfielder. His versatility, skill in short dribbles, and ability to associate are virtues that Diniz demands from his full-backs. Arriving in Rio, he adds intensity and a qualified passing option, solving one of the shortcomings identified in the squad for the season.

See highlights of Juninho Capixaba:

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