Hinestroza, Cuesta, Gómez: how Vasco became a draw for Colombian players | OneFootball

Vasco are building a Colombian core, having signed Johan Rojas and moved to bring in Marino Hinestroza after recruiting Carlos Cuesta and Andrés Gómez.

According to Globo.com, the shift stems from two hires made mid last year, Admar Lopes and coach Fernando Diniz, whose influence has helped attract this profile of player.

Pedrinho and Felipe valued Admar’s eye for South America, especially Colombia and Ecuador. He pushed for Andrés Gómez and was instrumental in sealing Carlos Cuesta. The plan was to attract South American players with national-team potential.

Diniz is highly regarded in Colombia for accelerating Jhon Arias at Fluminense, turning an underused gamble into a club idol and a pillar of the national team. His reputation and conversations helped convince Gómez and Cuesta. Vasco and Diniz viewed both as suited to Colombia, though they had lost ground under Néstor Lorenzo due to limited minutes, before performances in Brazil prompted recalls.

Vasco want similar progress for Rojas and Hinestroza. Diniz rates Hinestroza as a potential match-winner with significant upside, and staff believe he has not reached his ceiling. He was called for three FIFA windows last year, listed for six South American qualifiers and came on late in two. His camp had expected Boca Juniors, but the pull of Diniz and Vasco’s project drew him towards Brazil.

Source: Globo.com