João Ananias pleased with Santos debut and says he is ready to start | OneFootball

João Ananias impressed on his senior Santos debut in the 2-2 draw at Bahia and says he is ready to push for a starting place.

The centre-back, wearing 26, was a surprise inclusion in Salvador on Saturday 25 and drew strong praise, with some viewing him as the standout ahead of the experienced Lucas Veríssimo.

“Thank God I managed to have a great game. I was very calm. Coach Cuca gave me a lot of confidence, as did my team-mates. Unfortunately we did not get the win, but this point will be important over the course of the Brasileiro,” he said. He was speaking to De Olho no Peixe.

Asked if he feels ready to cement a place, he replied: “I believe so. I am young and of course I still have a lot to improve, but as I said, I think I managed to play well.”

He faces competition from experienced defenders Adonis Frias, Zé Ivaldo and Luan Peres.

Source: Diario Do Peixe