Renato Gaúcho reunites with Matheus França as Vasco seek to revive midfielder | OneFootball

According to PaponaColina, Vasco see Renato Gaúcho’s arrival as an important opportunity to help revive 19-year-old midfielder Matheus França, on loan from Crystal Palace in England until June. The pair previously worked together in Flamengo’s youth set-up.

França’s spell at São Januário has fallen well short of expectations. Signed to be an immediate starter, he has played 21 times without a goal or an assist and has lost his place, even when former coach Fernando Diniz rotated in the Campeonato Carioca group stage.

His earlier pathway offers encouragement. França was first exposed to the senior scene under Rogério Ceni in early 2021 during a Conmebol Libertadores tie against Vélez, then was integrated more fully later that year under Renato Gaúcho.

At 17 he won the Copa do Brasil and Brasileirão at under-17 level. His displays earned regular call-ups to train with the seniors and he was listed for several top-flight matches, though he did not feature in official games under Renato Gaúcho.

The progression continued into 2022, when he made 23 first-team appearances and scored six goals. That form prompted a 20 million euros move to the English league, around R$ 104 million at the time.

Vasco president Pedrinho, who was also coached by Renato Gaúcho in 2008, is monitoring França’s recovery. The newly appointed staff aim to restore his vertical game so he can finally kick on in the national competition.

Source: PaponaColina