Cuca revisits 2020 blueprint, turns to academy to plug gaps at Santos | OneFootball

Cuca is facing a familiar scenario at Santos, much like in 2020. With a thin squad and a run of absences, he has turned to the academy to keep first half targets on course.

According to Globo.com, four youngsters have made their senior debuts in recent months, centre-back João Ananias, left-back Rafael Gonzaga, midfielder Samuel Pierri and forward Davizinho, who was even used at right-back in the defeat to Grêmio.

Others blooded last year have also featured, including midfielder Gustavo Henrique and forwards Mateus Xavier and Robinho Jr. Meanwhile, goalkeeper João Pedro, centre-back João Alencar and midfielder Pepê Fermino are training with the seniors and await chances.

Cuca says he has no fear of promoting youth, yet stresses they are still developing. He noted Samuel Pierri and Davizinho had not played senior football, while Bontempo and Miguelito are growing into the team. He sees the academy as the solution for this half but wants to balance the group in the next to strengthen the side, which he hopes could even lead to a cup final.

After the Vitória game, he added that the youngsters are maturing the hard way, with their growth being hurried along, likened to fruit ripening quickly inside newspaper.

The pattern mirrors 2020 for different reasons. That year Santos lost players after legal disputes, notably goalkeeper Everson and forward Eduardo Sasha, and transfer bans blocked signings. With no reinforcements, Cuca debuted John, Alex Nascimento, Ivonei, Marcos Leonardo, Ângelo and Bruno Marques, and handed greater roles to João Paulo, Wagner Leonardo, Vinícius Balieiro, Sandry, Lucas Lourenço, Kaio Jorge, Arthur Gomes and Taílson.

Source: Globo.com