Léo Pereira cites Zico and Messi, but inspired by ex-Flamengo team-mate | OneFootball

Léo Pereira took a free kick in his debut for the Brazilian National Team

Making his debut for the Brazilian National Team, Léo Pereira surprised everyone by grabbing the ball to take a free kick in the friendly against France. Asked about this trait, the Flamengo center back mentioned master free-kick takers as examples to follow, but pointed to former defensive partner at Mengão, David Luiz, as his biggest encourager.

— We have many references in Brazil and abroad who are masters. From Junior, Ronaldinho, Zico, Messi. You could make a very long list. I had a learning period with David Luiz at the club, and he helped me. I wasn’t a free-kick taker, I was even shy about it because I’m a center back, but he was the one who helped me in that aspect. He said I had to train because I had a certain accuracy and could help the team — said Léo Pereira at a press conference this Saturday (28).

HOW WAS LÉO PEREIRA’S FREE KICK AGAINST FRANCE?

Ten minutes into the second half, Upamecano brought down former Flamengo player Wesley, who was about to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The referee then awarded a free kick and showed a red card. Then, Léo Pereira stepped up to take it. The Flamengo defender tried to surprise the keeper by aiming for his corner, but Maignan stood still and held onto it.

WHAT IS LÉO PEREIRA’S RECORD FROM FREE KICKS?

Léo Pereira is coming off a recent free-kick goal for Flamengo. On March 14, in a Brasileirão match, the center back scored a stunning goal in the 3-0 win over Botafogo at Engenhão. It was the number 4’s second goal from a direct free kick. The first came in 2024, in the Campeonato Carioca, against Madureira. On that occasion, the player also mentioned David Luiz.

— There are many quality players with great strikes. David (Luiz) taught me some techniques. This first goal goes to him, he taught me many things, gave me some tips and is persistent. In the moment of the kick it’s difficult, there are a lot of good players, but I’m happy — he said at the time.

WILL THERE BE MORE FREE KICKS TO COME?

Next Tuesday (31), the Brazilian National Team will return to the pitch to face Croatia, again in the United States. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla on the website, social media, and YouTube. Could Léo Pereira’s first free-kick goal for the Brazilian National Team be coming?

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