Filipe Luís reveals Paquetá’s role in Flamengo’s plans | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá was hired to play offensively, but has shone coming from behind

The sample is small, only five games, but Lucas Paquetá stood out more in the two matches where he played as a central midfielder. In the others, as a right-sided midfielder, almost a winger, the number 20 was rarely called upon. When asked about the ideal position for the latest addition, coach Filipe Luís opened up about his plans.

— I always (think) of the team above any individuality. If I take the player out of where he feels comfortable, he will perform less, he will be sacrificed, but for the good of the team. I watched all of Paquetá's games in Europe, saw where he played, he even played as a forward at Lyon, as a central midfielder in the national team, he went through all these positions —, said the coach.

— And I know that his actions in the game will lead him to where he feels best. That said, I have to fit him in and balance the team so that at the end of the year we don't have the best player and win nothing. We have to win the titles so that he wins individual awards —, added Filipe Luís, in an interview with ESPN.

IN WHICH GAMES DID PAQUETÁ SHINE?

Lucas Paquetá's first game as a central midfielder happened in the 7-1 victory against Sampaio Corrêa. The player even hit the post and participated in several attacking plays, including one that ended with a goal by Pedro.

Last Sunday (15), again as the second man in midfield, Paquetá scored his first goal wearing the Flamengo jersey after returning, against Botafogo. In the other matches, playing on the right, the player was rarely called upon against Corinthians, Internacional, and Vitória.

AGAINST LANÚS, WHERE WILL PAQUETÁ PLAY, AFTER ALL?

Now, there is doubt about where Lucas Paquetá will start the match this Thursday (19), against Lanús (ARG), for the Recopa Sudamericana. The game kicks off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at La Fortaleza, in Argentina, with full coverage by Coluna do Fla.

Lucas Paquetá might play once again as a central midfielder, replacing the injured Jorginho. Or he might play on the right, a position occupied by Gonzalo Plata, who is suspended and did not travel to Argentina. Therefore, the mystery will only be solved an hour before the game starts.

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