With Maldonado injured and Airton traded, Flamengo has a shortage at defensive midfielder. Coach Andrade only has Toró, Willians, and young Lenon to fill this spot. The solution to this problem, however, may be closer than one imagines. Young João Vitor, just 18 years old, will be promoted to the professional squad shortly after the Rubro-Negro's participation in the 41st edition of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup ends.

João Vitor Ribeiro Rodrigues has been standing out in the youth ranks for his ability to get the ball out of midfield. Besides being a talented defender, the defensive midfielder's main characteristics include his quality passing and excellent vision. In last Sunday's match against Shallon, when Flamengo made its Copinha debut, João already demonstrated his credentials: he had a solid performance and scored his third goal for Flamengo in a 3-0 victory over the Rondônia team.

"I'm very happy and confident. Everyone can be sure that I'll never lack willpower and determination. I'll always strive to do my best, both at the youth level and at the professional level, to help Flamengo. I'm very excited about this opportunity. I'm expected to report to the professional level after the São Paulo Cup, and I believe this could be a great opportunity," said João.

Investing in the youth teams, in fact, appears to be one of the new board's fundamental policies. In an interview with GloboEsporte.com, president Patricia Amorim, who begins her term this Monday, stated that she will make changes to the youth team's leadership and intends to further encourage the development of new talent at Ninho do Urubu.

"I have some ideas that can be put into practice. This Monday I'm going to talk to Marcos Braz about everything... But at the base level we're going to make a lot of changes. There needs to be greater dialogue between the youth teams and the professionals, integration, in short, it has to change," explained Patricia.