Lucas Paquetá boosts Flamengo form in bid for Brazil World Cup spot | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá came off the bench to help Flamengo beat Santos 3-1 at the Maracanã on Sunday, netting the third as Flamengo improved after his introduction.

With the World Cup two months away, he has stepped up his push for a Brazil recall, according to Globo.com.

Paquetá said his priority is to perform for Flamengo, stay dedicated and follow the coach’s instructions. He believes that if he plays well for his club he can reach the Seleção, as before in his career.

Since returning to Flamengo he has played 16 times, starting 10, and scored five goals. Before the World Cup pause he will have 16 further matches to show Carlo Ancelotti he merits a place.

He is competing with Endrick and Igor Thiago, the latter seen as slightly ahead, for the final two places among the 26 players due to be called.

A starter at the last World Cup and for much of this cycle, the Flamengo midfielder was not picked in March’s international window, yet is still well regarded by the staff. One way to include him could be naming six midfielders, removing a slot in attack.

Flamengo face Cusco FC in Cusco on Wednesday in their Libertadores opener, and Paquetá is in contention to start at altitude.

Source: Globo.com