Flaco and Allan impress; Khellven and Jefte falter: Palmeiras review | OneFootball

Palmeiras’ first half of the season brought some certainties for the rest of the year. While some players took advantage of their opportunities to raise their level and earn more space in the squad, others ended the period under scrutiny and needing to respond quickly so they do not lose their prominence.

In addition, Verdão could still gain two important “internal reinforcements” for the remainder of the season: Vitor Roque and Paulinho, who head into the second half in a more favorable scenario to show their potential.

Who comes out on top

If there is one name leaving with his stock high, that name is Flaco López. The Argentine striker is enjoying his best spell since arriving at the club and has established himself as one of the team’s main attacking references.

His strong form was rewarded with a call-up to represent Argentina at the World Cup, reinforcing the status he has reached after a run of great performances for Verdão. In addition to the goals, Flaco has become more involved in building plays and has shown technical and tactical growth, making himself indispensable.

Another player who has gained enormous prestige is Allan. The youngster has left behind the label of a prospect and turned into an undisputed starter for the team.

With personality, intensity, and consistency, he won the trust of the coaching staff and became one of the most reliable players in Palmeiras’ midfield. Today, his presence in the starting eleven is already seen as something natural.

Who still needs to improve

While some are in great form, others enter the second half needing to show more.

Khellven is still searching for consistency and has not been able to turn his opportunities into convincing performances. His adaptation to the club and the playing style still seems incomplete, which means his place remains under evaluation.

Jefte is in a similar situation. He has shown flashes of quality but has not managed to maintain enough consistency to establish himself. The full-back will need to make better use of his next opportunities if he wants to earn a bigger role in the squad.

Vitor Roque and Paulinho could change the picture

Despite the current prominence of Flaco López and Allan, Palmeiras could still gain two important internal reinforcements.

Although he had already shown his ability to decide matches by scoring the goal that secured the Campeonato Paulista title for Palmeiras, Vitor Roque had his run interrupted by ankle surgery.

Now, the club is working to recover the striker and prepare him to return for the Copa Libertadores round of 16 in August. The internal expectation is that he will be in full physical condition to become an important piece right at the most decisive stage of the season.

If he reproduces the level he showed before the injury, Vitor Roque has the potential to increase the competitiveness of the attacking sector. As reported by NOSSO PALESTRA, Palmeiras’ plan is to have the number nine available for the knockout stage of the continental competition.

Paulinho, meanwhile, is generating huge expectations after overcoming a serious injury. Even with limited minutes on the pitch in the first half, he showed technical quality and the potential to decide matches. If he fully regains his competitive rhythm, he could be one of Palmeiras’ biggest weapons in the final stretch of the season.

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