Diego Alves heaps praise on Flamengo player: “Icon” | OneFootball

Champion of the 2019 and 2022 Libertadores, Diego Alves praised Rossi

What do Agustín Rossi and Diego Alves have in common? They both played decisive roles in Flamengo titles in the Libertadores. The former goalkeeper was asked whether the Argentine is already a club idol, and he did not hesitate in his answer, stressing that the compatriot has everything Red-and-Black fans like.

— Rossi is definitely an idol, a goalkeeper whose name is etched in history. For everything he did during the competitions, what he represents, his importance. Besides winning titles, that connection with the fans matters. Rossi is a goalkeeper who shows all those qualities needed to become an idol — said Diego Alves.

HOW WERE DIEGO ALVES AND ROSSI DECISIVE IN THE LIBERTADORES?

Diego Alves was Santos’ backup in the 2022 Libertadores-winning campaign, but in 2019 the former goalkeeper played a decisive role. In the group stage, the shot-stopper kept the goal locked down in several matches, especially in the opener, at altitude, against San José (BOL). In the round of 16, he shone in the penalty shootout against Emelec (ECU). In the semifinal, he pulled off a spectacular save from Everton Cebolinha, then at Grêmio.

Meanwhile, Rossi prevented a certain goal by Deportivo Táchira (VEN) with the very last play of the group stage, a save that proved decisive for Mengão’s qualification. Later, in the quarterfinals, the Argentine was the hero in the penalty shootout against Estudiantes (ARG). In addition, in the semifinal, he pulled off miracle saves against Racing (ARG).

WILL ROSSI STAY?

Rossi is under contract with Flamengo until the end of 2027. Despite that “safe” timeframe, the club is already moving to renew the goalkeeper’s deal. The idea from the Rubro-Negro is to protect itself, fearing possible approaches from other teams next year, when the player would be entering the final year of his contract.

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