Petkovic or Arrascaeta? Athirson on what sets Flamengo idols apart | OneFootball

Flamengo Idol, Athirson States that Set Pieces are the Tiebreaker between Petkovic and Arrascaeta

Flamengo has had great number 10s throughout its history. Zico is undeniably the greatest of them all. However, the comparison between Arrascaeta and Petkovic divides opinions among fans about who was better in the Sacred Mantle. Flamengo idol Athirson, for example, finds the decision difficult but chose the one he shared the locker room with.

— Man, I played with Pet. I saw what Pet was capable of doing. Pet has something different from Arrascaeta. He scores from free kicks. Arrascaeta might score one here or there, but Pet was very decisive with that. We know it. And of course, from corners too. I think both have very similar characteristics, in terms of technique, of finding - highlighted Athirson.

Despite Athirson using free kicks as the tiebreaker between Petkovic and Arrascaeta, the former left-back believes there is room for both on the field. The choice was made during the Mengocast this Friday (05) on the club's YouTube channel, Flamengo TV.

— So I choose Pet, because I played. I didn't play with Arrascaeta, but I see what he does. It's a tough competition. But it's because they are different moments. Pet came to Flamengo in a difficult phase, older, he wasn't as young as Arrascaeta. He arrived, had to adapt, right? He was a Serbian who landed in Bahia. And the South American who had already adapted at Cruzeiro, which is much easier. An adaptation, but for me to choose one of the two, I choose Pet. But… I would put both to play together. Oh, I would find a way - stated Athirson.

Foreign Rivalry at Flamengo?

The discussion about Arrascaeta and Petkovic arose as soon as the Uruguayan arrived at Flamengo in 2019. The Serbian made his mark in the fans' imagination, with iconic moments like the free-kick goal against Vasco in 2001 and the 2009 Brasileirão. However, the Uruguayan ranks among the most victorious players in the club's history, with 15 titles, alongside Bruno Henrique.

And What Did Athirson Win?

Athirson is a product of Flamengo's youth academy, a club for which he always showed affection. In his journey with the Sacred Mantle, the former left-back played 252 matches, scored 37 goals, and provided 26 assists. The idol reached three Copa do Brasil finals but did not win the title. He considers himself satisfied, as he is a three-time Carioca champion and won the Mercosur in 1999 against Palmeiras.

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