World Cup returnees lead Palmeiras as Maurício, Jhon Arias and Ramón Sosa shine | OneFootball

According to Nosso Palestra, the World Cup appears to have galvanised Palmeiras’ internationals, with Maurício, Jhon Arias and Ramón Sosa now driving Abel Ferreira’s attack.

Palmeiras underlined that form on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Fortaleza at Nubank Parque in the Copa do Brasil round of 16 first leg. The return is on Wednesday at Arena Pantanal after Fortaleza negotiated to move the tie.

Maurício is on his best run of the season, scoring four in four since the restart to become a key reference in the final third.

Arias has matched the brief, adding goals and assists. He struck against Fortaleza and, in the defeat to Atlético-MG, set up Felipe Anderson for Palmeiras’ only goal.

Sosa completes the in-form trio. His direct running and depth have earned a starting berth, and he has added goals while becoming a major outlet.

At the back, captain Gustavo Gómez remains the defensive standard bearer, although he was unavailable on Sunday.

Flaco López has also returned sharp. Despite not featuring in every game for his national team at the World Cup, he resumed by scoring against Fortaleza, intensifying competition to lead the line.

Those called by their countries have strengthened Palmeiras at the start of the second half of the year, with Arias, Maurício and Sosa currently the main protagonists in Ferreira’s front line. Competition could rise as Paulinho regains fitness, Vitor Roque returns gradually from injury and Flaco maintains form.

After the cup tie, Palmeiras host Internacional on Sunday in the league.

Source: Nosso Palestra