Cuca backs 21-year-old Gustavo Henrique as Santos shape development plan | OneFootball

Santos’ current form is worrying, but 21-year-old academy midfielder Gustavo Henrique has caught Cuca’s eye in the senior squad. According to Globo.com, the coach views him as a key bet to spark the Brasileirão campaign, push in the Sul-Americana and start the Copa do Brasil well.

Comfortable across central midfield, his versatility helped earn that attention, and Cuca referenced him in his introductory press conference. In the chances he has had, the youngster has shown power and intensity.

Against Recoleta in midweek, even as Santos were held, he covered ground across almost the entire midfield.

The staff are focusing on three strands to speed his development. First, ball carrying from midfield into attack to drive transitions. Second, effective movement without needless running to best serve the system. Third, managing his energy so his combative style lasts across matches and through the year.

His growing maturity and day-to-day commitment have pleased the coaches. The tendency is that he keeps his place in the starting side, having overtaken names such as Zé Rafael, and he also benefited while Gabriel Menino was injured.

He will naturally miss some games if fatigue dictates, but he has climbed the pecking order, featuring against Flamengo, Cuenca, Atlético-MG and Recoleta.

Source: Globo.com