Since its debut in the São Paulo Junior Cup, Flamengo has excelled. Playing in top form, the Flamengo youth academy remains undefeated in the competition. With their next challenge already scheduled for Sunday (January 18.01), against Atlético-MG, the Mais Querido players continue intense training, aiming for success in a championship that opens doors to professional football. The victories achieved so far by the team led by coach Zé Ricardo are no coincidence.

The Flamengo youth academy, in addition to boasting talented players, receives exceptional care from physiologists, nutritionists, fitness trainers, and other professionals who help shape these athletes, who, in a few years, could join the Mais Querido's professional team. To uphold the old maxim that Flamengo makes a star player at home, the club's physiology team works daily to ensure the physical maturity of these youngsters, as explained by Cláudio Pavanelli, a professional football physiologist. "From the youth level, 16 or 17 years old, we start to develop an athlete who is ready to play. They are already ready for the greater stress of training. Some mature more quickly, others are still children, some need to gain or lose fat. It varies greatly from athlete to athlete. At this point, we work in partnership with nutritionists to analyze what each youngster needs," he explained.

According to Pavanelli, each player is closely monitored, precisely to avoid future bone or muscle problems due to excessive or insufficient training. "Athletes like Neymar, for example, when he was 13, didn't allow the coaching staff to be so aggressive. We give the athlete what he's capable of. Another example is our athlete Gabriel. In two years, the boy has made significant muscle gains. Generally speaking, it's the same line of work, just the way it's applied is different," he said.

Even with this work implemented quite effectively, the young players' productivity depends on other professional support. Diogo Linhares, the physical trainer for the red-and-black U-20 team, makes it clear that discipline on the part of these players is also crucial. "In today's football, the kids already have a very, very strong professional awareness. They dedicate themselves to achieving the development they want. Our group has that. The preparation extends from the youth academy to the professional level. Even though they're not yet on the first team, they know they are athletes. We set them on a path, and it's up to them to follow it. At this point, off-field training is crucial. They spend 3,4-XNUMX hours a day with us. The rest is up to them. It's important to understand that rest is essential. It's very negative to see talent disappear," he observed.

According to Juliano, a physiologist for the youth teams, some athletes are already advantaged simply by having a more prepared body type, or simply by possessing unique talent, which ultimately makes the work of Flamengo's professionals easier. "Talent isn't created; it's found and honed. If someone doesn't have talent, it's pointless; they won't get anywhere. Despite this, it's important to understand that physical preparation provides the foundation for athletes to unleash their potential."

Juliano also points out that one characteristic alone makes all the difference in today's football and can set a player apart. "Several factors are important, from strength to good nutrition, but today's football is undoubtedly heavily dependent on an athlete's speed. A player who excels in changing direction stands out from the rest; just look at the best in the world. Strength, power, and muscular explosiveness allow a player to accelerate and decelerate faster, making them stand out," he concluded.