Young defender seizes chance, cements place at Corinthians | OneFootball

The defender João Pedro Tchoca seized an opportunity and established himself as a starter in the defense of Corinthians. The young player, who is still awaiting contract renewal with the club, has been a standout in the team's recent matches with solid performances.

Tchoca had been getting little playing time but got a chance among the starters after André Ramalho's injury. Of the seven matches played by Timão since then, the 21-year-old athlete started in six. During this period, the team went four games without conceding a goal.

The good performance of the defensive sector earned João Pedro the starting position. So much so that, although André Ramalho was listed for the last two matches, the "Son of Terrão" was kept in the team by Dorival Júnior.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Growth after mistake

This is the first time the defender has had a sequence among Corinthians' starters after the mistake made in the game against Barcelona de Guayaquil, still in the preliminary phase of the Libertadores.

Tchoca was gaining space with Ramón Díaz but committed a penalty in the first leg of the match in Ecuador. Timão ended up losing 3-0 and, after failing to overturn the result in the return leg, was eliminated from the tournament.

The mistake cost the youngster his starting spot, and he was sidelined by Ramón. He gradually gained opportunities with Dorival until André Ramalho's absence, when he seized the chance, took the starting spot, and finally established himself.

In the current season, the defender has played 23 games for Corinthians, with one goal and one assist.

Awaiting renewal

João Pedro Tchoca has not yet renewed with Corinthians. The contract is valid only until the end of 2026. Therefore, the player could sign a pre-contract with any other team from the middle of next year.

The defender's staff has been negotiating the contract extension with the club's management since July. The parties were discussing a renewal until 2029, but, as reported by Gazeta Esportiva, no agreement has been reached yet. The talks are stalled and have not progressed.

At Corinthians, besides André Ramalho, Tchoca competes for space with Cacá and Félix Torres. Meanwhile, Gustavo Henrique is seen as an absolute starter and a pillar of the defensive system.

Next Corinthians match

G6 in sight

Corinthians is experiencing a moment of rise in the Brazilian Championship. Dorival Júnior's team has strung together a sequence of three consecutive victories and has positioned itself in the fight for a spot in the 2026 Libertadores. Timão occupies the tenth place in the standings, with 42 points, six points behind Botafogo, which opens the G6.

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