"Natural chemistry": São Paulo duo catch Crespo’s eye | OneFootball

São Paulo did not invest a single cent in player transfers during this transfer window. Nevertheless, they found in Danielzinho a missing piece for their midfield. Signed at zero cost after not renewing with Mirassol, the midfielder has been receiving constant praise from teammates and coach Hernán Crespo.

Announced in December last year, Danielzinho fit like a glove in the tricolor midfield. The player seems unfazed by the weight of the São Paulo jersey and has been one of the team's best players this year alongside a fellow midfielder: Marcos Antônio.

Danielzinho and Marcos Antônio, along with Bobadilla, complement each other at São Paulo. Against Grêmio, for example, the number 8 was named the best on the field, but Danielzinho also shone. It was a play by both that led to the penalty converted by Lucas.

The fact is that the duo formed by Marcos Antônio and Danielzinho has impressed Crespo, who even compared them to Luciano — in the "more anarchic" way of playing football.

"We adapt to the qualities they have. I can have an idea, but without material, I can't do anything. It's important to understand the characteristics we have in the squad to create an idea, an identity, what kind of game we can play based on that. We know we have players like Danielzinho, Marcos Antônio... who conceptually, more Marcos than Danielzinho, is a Luciano behind," said the coach, who explained the comparison:

"They are the anarchists who go, have to occupy the space, start passing the ball from one side to the other, up front they can be great passers, start here. Everyone tries to adapt to Marcos Antônio's characteristics, where we found with Danielzinho a natural chemistry between the two. These associations they create, without difficulties to play forward or backward, and the team doesn't lose in quality. These characteristics help the team," he added.

Highlights against Grêmio

Marcos Antônio and Danielzinho were highlights for São Paulo in the 2-0 victory over Grêmio at Morumbi, in the Brazilian Championship. The number 8 made three key passes and created a great chance, besides completing 95% of the passes he attempted. He also had 80 actions with the ball and took one shot.

Meanwhile, Danielzinho completed 91% of his passes, had 92 actions with the ball, and suffered the first penalty of the game. He also accumulated one shot, one tackle, three interceptions, two clearances, five ball recoveries, and won three out of five ground duels. The data is from Sofascore.

Marcos Antônio's great moment has sparked interest from Flamengo, but São Paulo has not even opened negotiations with the Rio club and dismissed any deal at this time. The player is considered one of the pillars of Hernán Crespo's team.

Danielzinho, signed last year, has a permanent contract until the end of 2027, with the possibility of automatic renewal for another year if sporting goals are met.

Standings Situation

With the result, São Paulo extended their unbeaten streak this season and reached five games without knowing defeat, with four wins and one draw. Additionally, the São Paulo team also reached seven points and will sleep at the top of the Brazilian Championship, maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament.

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