Leonardo Jardim could give Flamengo’s academy greater focus | OneFootball

Flamengo’s academy has been squeezed by expensive squads in recent years. Leonardo Jardim, renowned for nurturing Kylian Mbappé, could give greater attention to the club’s homegrown talent.

According to Globo.com, Filipe Luís ranked second for academy usage at Flamengo since 2019 with 18 players, behind Rogério Ceni on 19. Few had extended minutes though, and only Evertton Araújo, Wesley and Wallace Yan played more than 30 times across his 101 matches. The count excludes games he did not oversee, such as in the Carioca, and Lucas Paquetá, and his per-game average was 0.17, higher only than Jorge Jesus on 0.15.

Jardim developed several players who later shone in Europe, notably Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, and Bernardo Silva, now at Manchester City. He introduced Mbappé at 17.

During his time at Cruzeiro, he pushed for the youth sides to train again at Toca da Raposa II, close to the first team, to ease scouting and transition. He promoted Kauã Prates, Janderson and Murilo Rhikhman, made Kaiki a starter, integrated Kaique Kenji and backed Japa’s return after injury. He also recommended players for the under-20s.

From Flamengo’s academy, Dyogo Alves, Evertton Araújo and Wallace Yan are in the senior squad, as is Paquetá. João Victor continues to move between senior and youth groups. Lorran, who turns 20 in July, is due back from loan in June.

Source: Globo.com