Fluminense FC lost 0-3 against Volta Redondo in the Campeonato Carioca. They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and played well with a lot of quality attacks coming through the wings. However, when Egidio got a red card the match changed and Fluminense struggled to make an impact. It was a very low tempo game which is not that strange to see in the state championships, as it mostly includes amateur teams and big clubs do not take it seriously. This is also a reason why these matches are not that representative, even though they are a good match to get a first impression of a player. I will give ratings, but keep what is mentioned above in mind.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Nino
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 10/04/1997
- Club: Fluminense
- Career: Criciúma EC, Fluminense (L), Fluminense
- Position: central defender
- Preferred foot: right
The Brazilian central defender played as a right central defender in the match against Volta Redondo. On the ball, Nino looked very comfortable and he was capable of dribbling it out from the back. While dribbling it out from the back, Nino looked over the ball to see if there are any options to play the pass to. He often passed it short to either the right central midfielder, right-back or right winger. He occasionally was sloppy on the ball which in one occasion led to a chance for Volta Redondo.
Nino looked very vulnerable when playing a high defensive line. He is not that agile and his average acceleration does not help as well. Volta Redondo exploited this and as Nino defended very aggressively and as he was stepping out of the defensive line quite often, he got into trouble occasionally. He had good ability in the aerial duels and when the opponents crossed the ball towards the box, Nino scanned well and positioned himself well, allowing himself to clear a lot of crosses.
Rating – B2
An average performance by Nino, but he showed promising signs at the Pre Olympics Tournament. It will be interesting to see how he plays when he has more game rhythm and is more fit.
Fernando Pacheco
- Nationality: Peruvian
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 26/06/1999
- Club: Fluminense
- Career: Sporting Cristal, Fluminense
- Position: right winger
- Secondary position: left winger
- Preferred foot: right
Fernando Pacheco came on as a sub in the second half and played as a left winger after he got subbed on. The Peruvian youngster had good feet in the 1v1 duels with the defender and showed good acceleration and pace. However, at times, he overestimated his own pace and he ran the ball behind for a goal-kick. He had good variation in his dribbling as he was able to go both on the outside and the inside but he seemingly preferred to go on the inside and cut inside to his stronger right foot. His crosses were average with both his left and right foot and he was too wild in front of goal, shooting the ball way over in a 1v1 with the goalkeeper.
Rating – B2
As well as Nino, he showed promising signs in the Pre Olympics Tournament and it will be interesting to keep track of him.
Marcos Paulo
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 01/02/2001
- Club: Fluminense
- Career: Fluminense (Y)
- Position: striker
- Secondary position: right winger and left winger
- Preferred foot: right
Marcos Paulo only played 35 minutes in this match, as Egidio got sent off after a very hard tackle, which led to Hellmann subbing on Orinho to strengthen the defense. The Brazilian attacker mostly played as a left winger, but after Egidio got sent off, he played as a left midfielder and left-back in the remaining minutes, until he got subbed off. As a left winger, he showed great promise as he proved to have good strength on the ball, not allowing the opponent to push him off the ball.
He posed a constant threat by carrying the ball inside the box doing quick stepovers to force the defender backwards, while looking over the ball to see if there were any passing options in the box. Marcos Paulo often spotted teammates in space in the box, but either the pass was slightly inaccurate or his teammate did not get the first touch right. The Brazilian winger often moved centrally and liked to make runs in behind the defensive line. He had a good eye for space.
Marcos Paulo showed great work-rate and determination as he tracked back very well and he fulfilled his defensive duties perfectly. He was concentrated as a left-back and did well to stay narrow.
Rating – A2
Made a good impression in this match, but did not play enough minutes. Normally I would give an A1 rating for this performance, but keeping in mind that this is against a low-stature team like Volta Redondo, I will stick to an A2 rating for now and rewatch him later, if he stays at Fluminense.
Evanilson
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 06/10/1999
- Club: Tombense FC, on loan at Fluminense
- Career: Fluminense (Y), Fluminense, Tombense FC, Fluminense (L)
- Position: striker
- Secondary position: right winger and left winger
- Preferred foot: both
Evanilson played as a right winger until Marcos Paulo got subbed off. He moved to left winger after, and in the second half, Evanilson played as a striker. When playing as a right winger, Evanilson looked to cut inside with the ball and link up with experienced striker Fred. This posed a threat for the opponent. Evanilson also liked to play in the half-space and make runs in behind from there. He has good acceleration and pace, while also being very agile.
The Brazilian winger has good dribbling ability and controls the ball well, which helps him when playing in the tight spaces. However, as he moved to the striker position in the second half, he got the ball less often and did not attempt a dribble that often. Evanilson pressed the back line well as a striker and used his acceleration while doing this. He found creative solutions in the final third and moved between the lines well to receive the ball in space. Evanilson battled well in defence and seemed to work hard.
Rating – A2
I think he should play as a left-winger. He showed great promise and I am curious to see him play more often.
Caio Paulista
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 11/05/1998
- Club: Tombense FC
- Career: Tombense FC, Avai (L), Fluminense (L)
- Position: attacking midfield
- Secondary position: right winger
- Preferred foot: left
Caio Paulista came on as a sub in the second half and played as a right winger. He liked to stay close to the sideline, which dragged his direct opponent out of position. When he received the ball in these positions, he liked to cut inside with his first touch and pass the opponent while shielding off the ball. This was very effective, but his touch was a bit heavy at times which did not get him into trouble as he had lots of space. He was heavy-build and looked quite tall. When he carried the ball inside, he looked agile and moved very freely, but his on the ball ability was average, as he gave away the ball on multiple occasions and did not seem to have that much quality.
Rating – C
I need to rewatch, but he did not look that promising.
Target Scouting 