Atlético-MG won the Brazilian super cup against Flamengo after penalties. They set up in a 4-2-3-1 in a possession-based style. One of the two central midfielders always dropped deep between the two central defenders to help with the build-up. Both clubs created some chances in the match, but it was a high-intensity match with both teams putting high pressure on the opponent.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Guilherme Arana
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 14/04/1997
- Club: Atlético-MG
- Career: Corinthians, Atlético-PR (L), Sevilla FC, Atalanta BC (L), Atlético-MG (L), Atlético-MG
- Position: Left-Back
- Preferred foot: Left
Guilherme Arana played as a left-back for Atlético-MG in the super cup final against Flamengo. Standing at 1,76m with a normal build, Arana showed great athleticism throughout the match. He is quick on the first meters and can maintain his pace over longer distances. Guilherme Arana is agile and has good changes of direction. When Arana is in a defensive 1v1 duel, he seems to be running backwards and uncomfortable. Guilherme Arana leans backwards and is not capable of intercepting the ball in these situations. He should be more on his front feet and definitely not lean backwards. The Brazilian left-back had a crucial interception in one of the last minutes of the match, blocking Lazaro’s shot from close range with a last-ditch tackle.
The left-back often takes up a position close to the sideline, but he also likes to tuck inside and operate in the half-space. The Brazilian has a lot of ball-playing ability. When receiving the ball in wide areas, Arana is capable of playing diagonal line-breaking passes to the striker. He is always comfortable on the ball and is good in small spaces. The left-back is also good at receiving in the half-space. When involved in the attack in the final third, Guilherme Arana can come on both the inside and outside. He is comfortable on the ball in the final third and likes to be involved in the build-up in the final third. Guilherme Arana has a good shot from distance. His shooting technique is good. One of the rebounds from his shots was scored by former River Plate player Nacho Fernandez.
Rating – B1
Guilherme Arana is very good going forward, but I have many concerns about his defensive ability. This is the second time I watched him in 2022. I think Arana could be a good left-back for an attacking-minded team in the Eredivisie or Primera Liga, but he does not have the level to play in the UEFA Champions League I don’t think.
Nathan Silva
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 06/05/1997
- Club: Atlético-MG
- Career: Atlético-MG, Ponte Preta (L), Atlético-GO (L), Coritiba (L), Atlético-GO (L), Atlético-MG
- Position: Centre Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Nathan Silva played as a right central defender for Atlético-MG in the super cup final against Flamengo. The Brazilian central defender stands at 1,82m with a normal build. Nathan Silva is a mobile defender and has good speed over both short and long distances. He seemed quite agile. However, he had some flaws both on and off the ball. Nathan Silva was surprised by Bruno Henrique’s run in the first minute. He was not in the shot of the camera at the moment of the pass, but it seems like he did not see him coming and he was caught off guard. It seemed like he did not scan enough in that situation. The Brazilian is proactive in aerial duels. He does not wait for the duel to happen but actively tries to get in front of his opponent to win the aerial duel.
Nathan Silva often succeeds in doing so, but it sometimes looks quite uncontrolled. He had the same problem generally. The 25-year-old is a proactive defender who likes to step out of the defensive line. However, he seems uncontrolled when doing this, making it seem like he can’t compose himself. Nathan Silva was often forced to make a foul. Nathan Silva has good, consistent short passing, but he is not a very progressive passer. His receiving skills were not great. He made a big mistake with his first touch in one situation and handled the ball, but the referee did not spot this and Nathan Silva got away with it. I think he generally was too passive on the ball and he looked nervous in some situations.
Rating – B2
Nathan Silva did not seem like a reliable defender, but he is a very secure passer and is an average player at this level. He could potentially grow to a good player at this level.