Barreal promoted by Vojvoda, Santos eye move for forward | OneFootball

Álvaro Barreal knew how to seize the opportunity and went from bench to starter under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, delivering in the chances he received in the starting 11. It’s no coincidence that Santos is interested in exercising the purchase option included in the forward’s loan contract.

Barreal went from bench to starter under Vojvoda

When Vojvoda arrived at Santos, Barreal was a substitute. The Argentine coach chose to start the newly-arrived Victor Hugo on the right flank. The midfielder, however, suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh in late September, which sidelined him for about three weeks.

In Victor Hugo’s absence, Barreal emerged. The Argentine was Vojvoda’s pick to take over the starting spot and delivered. Since then, he has played four matches in the starting 11 and contributed one goal and two assists.

In the derby against Corinthians last Wednesday, the forward was one of the standout performers in the 3–1 win. He took the corner for Zé Rafael’s goal and later scored a stunner, finding the keeper Felipe Longo’s top-left corner with a shot from outside the box.

According to Sofascore data, in addition to the goal and assist, Barreal also provided three key passes and completed 14 of 20 passes attempted. He also put in a defensive shift, with two tackles and three duels won.

Coach’s praise

Barreal’s attacking and defensive commitment earned praise from Vojvoda. The Santos coach hailed the Argentine’s development under his watch and said he sees him as an important player.

“It was a very good evolution, which I was monitoring day by day. He didn’t start playing, it’s true, but I spoke with him. I consider him an important player. There’s competition in that position, as everywhere. But he responds effectively and that’s important for him, above all. He’s a player who gives you a lot physically as well. He’s tactically intelligent and humble enough to give everything physically. That’s important for a player like him,” Vojvoda said at a press conference.

Will Santos buy Barreal?

Barreal is on loan to Santos from FC Cincinnati, in the United States. The Argentine was unveiled in February and signed a deal valid until December 31, 2025, with a purchase option set at 4 million dollars (R$ 21.7 million at the current rate).

Gazeta Esportiva has learned that Santos intends to sign the forward permanently. That interest has grown stronger after the player’s recent good performances.

Barreal is Santos’ top scorer in the current Brazilian Championship, with seven goals. He has also provided one assist. In total, he has made 26 appearances for Santos.

Barreal’s numbers for Santos

Santos’ position in the table

With the win over Corinthians, Santos got some breathing room in the fight against relegation. Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s team remains in 16th place, but now with 31 points, six more than Vitória, who head the relegation zone. Leão, however, play this Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) against Bahia, at home.

Santos’ upcoming matches

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