Daniel Salles takes his chance, window opens for more game time at Flamengo | OneFootball

With Ayrton Lucas left out and Alex Sandro short of full fitness, 19-year-old Daniel Salles impressed at left-back in Flamengo’s 1-0 win over Vasco. According to Globo.com, he is expected to be named in the squad to face Fluminense on Sunday at 18h.

A right-back playing out of position, he shone before the break, supporting attacks and creating chances, then made way for Alex Sandro in the second half. He had started the first three Carioca matches when Flamengo used the under-20s.

At youth level last year he also filled in at left-back, producing six goals and four assists in 32 games. In 2024 he was the under-20 right-back under Filipe Luís, who called him up to the senior group at times.

This year he started the first four 2025 Carioca rounds with the under-20s, then added two senior games in the State competition and featured in the final Brasileirão round against Mirassol.

Filipe Luís said he trusts Salles, calling him physically ready, acknowledging room to improve, and noting fierce competition at full-back, with the youngster taking his chance.

He is expected to continue training with the first team in the coming weeks.

For now a fifth-choice full-back, he is seen as a long-term prospect, contracted until 2028. Flamengo hold 80% of his rights and his release clause is €50 million, R$ 310 million. He has Brazil youth caps and excelled at the 2025 under-20 Libertadores with two goals and two assists in five games.

Source: Globo.com