Jair Ventura praise echoed as Filipe Luís backs Pulgar after Carioca progress | OneFootball

Filipe Luís has backed Erick Pulgar after Flamengo’s win over Botafogo sealed a place in the Carioca semi-finals, responding to Jair Ventura’s recent praise of the midfielder, according to Coluna Do Fla.

Ventura’s comments were made on Tuesday, after Flamengo beat Vitória in the Brasileirão. He highlighted Pulgar’s intensity and physical presence in midfield, describing the Chilean as the side’s most combative figure and even likening his strike to something Arrascaeta might produce.

Filipe Luís said Ventura had identified what coaches value in Pulgar. He noted that goals draw attention, but stressed the off-ball work and sacrifice that, in his view, make the team better, and welcomed the recent goals as deserved recognition.

Pulgar was decisive against Vitória with a long-range effort into the top corner, then scored again in Sunday’s win over Botafogo, underlining his strong form as Flamengo’s number five.

With Pulgar available, Flamengo face Lánus in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana on Thursday 19 at 21:30 Brasília time. The match will be played at the Estádio Ciudad de Lanús in Argentina.

Source: Coluna Do Fla