In 2017, Flamengo's goal gained a strong, skillful defender who understands the importance of victory. Wearing the number 1 jersey and delivering numerous outstanding performances, Diego Alves earned the affection, respect, and admiration not only of his teammates and coaching staff, but also of an entire nation.

In the Brazilian Championship, there were eight games, seven wins and one draw, missing only the matches against Chapecoense and América-MG. Of these matches, six were without conceding a goal, 94 accurate passes and two inaccurate ones, 27 blocks, only three goals conceded and 13 difficult saves. In addition, he committed only one foul and has not received any cards so far.

Diego was present in important victories against Ceará, Internacional, Corinthians, Atlético-MG, Fluminense, and Bahia, playing a key role in all of them and not conceding any goals. Against the team from the South, for example, he made four difficult saves, including one almost in the corner, and secured a comfortable 2-0 victory.

And how can we forget the match against Bahia? Even with Flamengo's superiority in attack, the goalkeeper had to work hard at the back. Making this great save in two stages and another difficult one shortly after, Alves prevented the Bahia team from scoring, ensuring another goalless match for the opponent.

Against Atlético-MG, Diego Alves had one of the busiest games of this Brazilian Championship. Under pressure playing at Independência stadium, the goalkeeper delivered a great performance, as did Flamengo's defense, holding off all of the Minas Gerais team's attacks, adding two difficult saves to his statistics.

In Flamengo's last match on Thursday, Diego played another crucial role, defending the Flamengo goal in the derby. He made two difficult saves, kept another clean sheet, and displayed leadership that justified the captain's armband he was wearing.

It is undeniable that the number 1 is one of the pillars of the Most Beloved currently. With an impeccable attitude, always talking to all the players and fulfilling his role very successfully, Diego Alves has become a reference and wants more. This Sunday (10), against Paraná, the goalkeeper will seek another great performance at the Maracanã to arrive at the break for the 2018 World Cup with morale and, more importantly, a good sequence of games without conceding goals.