Meet André Luiz, academy gem who shone in Corinthians' Copa do Brasil win | OneFootball

In recent years, the Corinthians youth team has been providing a lot of talent to the professional team, with several boys from the Terrão moving up to the first team. The most recent of them is the young midfielder André Luiz, who scored the third goal for Timão in the victory over Mirassol.

Born in São Paulo (SP), the 19-year-old played in the under-17 and under-20 categories of Corinthians, and was promoted by Dorival Júnior on September 13th, against Fluminense. Since then, he has played in three matches, the first at Neo Química precisely against Mirassol.

“It's very gratifying. I'm very happy with today's goal. Today was my debut at the arena. And to debut with a goal, a victory. I'm really very happy... Seeing the fans shouting, they don't stop for a minute. I'm very happy to see everyone jumping and celebrating. I was on that side one day“, said the midfielder, in the mixed zone after the match.

André Luiz celebrating the goal scored against Mirassol. (Photo: Rodrigo Coca / Ag. Corinthians)

Contact with professional and youth team

Recently promoted to the Corinthians main team, André Luiz also spoke about the experience of playing with experienced players and his relationship with Gui Negão, Timão's striker who also came from the youth team.

“It's very good to have these guys (experienced) in the squad. Maycon, for example, played in Europe. He has a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience. Playing alongside him, him always talking to me, passing on his experience, not only in the game, but in day-to-day life, in training, it's very gratifying“, he commented.

“Gui (Negão) is a guy who we've always had a big friendship, since the under-17s, he also moved up in the under-20s. We've always been together and now in the professional team again. He started playing. Sometimes I'm curious and ask him how things are and he tells me to go easy”, he added, commenting on his friendship with striker Gui Negão.

How does André Luiz play?

In the Corinthians youth categories, André Luiz stood out for his versatility. Between the under-17 and under-20, the athlete even played as an attacking midfielder and even at right back. However, the player's original position is in midfield, preferably as a defensive midfielder.

“I'm André, a player of great intensity, I hit both areas. Grit, desire, I've always had that on the field. And that won't be lacking, you can be sure. And whenever a ball comes in the area I'll look to score and celebrate with the fans, with the Fiel“, he concluded.

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