Young defender on Gustavo Henrique’s advice and Corinthians dreams

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Central do Timão

·22 de febrero de 2026

Young defender on Gustavo Henrique’s advice and Corinthians dreams

By Henrique Vigliotti/Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians thrashed América-MG 4-0 in their debut match of the Brasileirão U-20, with goals scored by Luizinho (twice), Lorenzo, and an own goal. After the match, center-back and youth academy gem Iago Machado spoke about his training with the professional squad and the advice he received from more experienced players.

Initially, the defender commented on the experiences he gained with the professional team and how he applies them when he returns to play with the youth squads.

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Photo: Vinicius Lucio/Central do Timão

“The experience there is really cool, the players supported me a lot, they really welcomed me when I moved up. And I’m very happy to be able to contribute with them, to train with them every day. And when I go back down to the U-20, I think a lot about what I could do there with the pros, what they teach me there, I try to pass on to the youth team as well. It’s about willpower, focus, not letting anything shake you, and that’s it.”

Iago made a point of praising Gustavo Henrique, naming the defender as his main mentor in the Corinthians professional squad.

“The one who has given me the most advice is captain Gustavo Henrique. He gives me advice, helps me out in technical moments and with aerial balls too, since he’s very tall, and he’s always helping me.”

“Gustavo’s main characteristic, I think, is really the aerial ball, both in terms of the goals he’s been scoring—thank God I’ve been scoring too—but the aerial ball itself, attacking the ball perfectly, sending it to the back of the net,” the defender concluded.

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