Specialty: ball in the net
Eduardo, from the under-20s, is the top scorer in the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
The U-20 team's campaign in the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG) is very good. The team is undefeated in the second phase and practically assured of a place in the final. Among all the players, who have been consistently praised by coach Cleber dos Santos, striker Eduardo has stood out for his ability to score. He is the tournament's top scorer, with 13 goals.
"It's a slightly different situation to play for a big team, the biggest club in Brazil. It's a tremendous joy. It's difficult to maintain a goal average, but I've managed to leave my mark in almost every game. It's an added responsibility to wear Flamengo's number 9 jersey. People look at you differently, but I'm calm. There's no greater motivation than waking up in the morning and knowing I have to go to Flamengo to work," said the striker.
Eduardo, 20, arrived at Flamengo in March 2013 from São Gonçalo Esporte Clube. He spent two months on trial at Gávea. Cleber dos Santos liked what he saw and decided to incorporate the youngster into the Flamengo squad. Shining in the youth team and taking his time to avoid rushing through the ranks, the forward reveals a dream he'll fulfill with the Sacred Mantle.
"Wearing the number 9 jersey in a professional game with a packed Maracanã. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I respect all the strikers in the first team, but I know my worth and I'm ready to respond when my chance arises and Jayme de Almeida calls me up," said the center forward.
Besides his sharp aim and his chemistry with the rest of Flamengo's strong U-20 team, Eduardo has another secret to his success: his strong relationship with his family. Supported by his parents, the player also hopes to always be able to help out at home.
"My family is relaxed and doesn't pressure me. I do what I love. I dream of helping my parents and siblings, providing good support at home, and building my family. But there's no pressure or obligation on me. My father, who is the person most involved in my career, encourages me and gives me peace of mind," he said.
"It's a slightly different situation to play for a big team, the biggest club in Brazil. It's a tremendous joy. It's difficult to maintain a goal average, but I've managed to leave my mark in almost every game. It's an added responsibility to wear Flamengo's number 9 jersey. People look at you differently, but I'm calm. There's no greater motivation than waking up in the morning and knowing I have to go to Flamengo to work," said the striker.
Eduardo, 20, arrived at Flamengo in March 2013 from São Gonçalo Esporte Clube. He spent two months on trial at Gávea. Cleber dos Santos liked what he saw and decided to incorporate the youngster into the Flamengo squad. Shining in the youth team and taking his time to avoid rushing through the ranks, the forward reveals a dream he'll fulfill with the Sacred Mantle.
"Wearing the number 9 jersey in a professional game with a packed Maracanã. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I respect all the strikers in the first team, but I know my worth and I'm ready to respond when my chance arises and Jayme de Almeida calls me up," said the center forward.
Besides his sharp aim and his chemistry with the rest of Flamengo's strong U-20 team, Eduardo has another secret to his success: his strong relationship with his family. Supported by his parents, the player also hopes to always be able to help out at home.
"My family is relaxed and doesn't pressure me. I do what I love. I dream of helping my parents and siblings, providing good support at home, and building my family. But there's no pressure or obligation on me. My father, who is the person most involved in my career, encourages me and gives me peace of mind," he said.