With the grit of Williams and the composure of Maldonado
A will to win and composure when making decisions are fundamental for Flamengo against Cruzeiro.
By From the official website team - in
Side by side in Flamengo's midfield, there is composure and determination. There is efficiency in marking and speed in tackling. There is an experienced defensive midfielder and a player who improves every season in the red-and-black shirt. Always close on the field, but with very different characteristics that complement each other, Maldonado and Willians perfectly embody what Flamengo needs to beat Cruzeiro next Sunday (November 28.11th): calmness and fighting spirit.
Since arriving at Gávea in early 2009, 24-year-old Willians has established himself in the starting lineup and won over the Flamengo fans thanks to his intense movement and dedication on the field. This is evident not only in his strong marking, but also in his tackles, attacking runs, and especially his will to win. A spirit he promises to maintain always, especially in decisive matches like this weekend's.
"We have to go in with a winning spirit, so we don't get caught off guard. We're calm, but we need to have the will to win, a lot of will, a lot of fighting spirit, because that's the only way we'll get the three points," said the midfielder, who has 103 appearances for Flamengo, with three goals, five assists, three titles and individual awards such as the top ball-winner in the last Brazilian Championship.
Maldonado also has plenty of drive. However, unlike Willians, he's more the type of player who "doesn't run, but makes the ball run." A very precise defensive midfielder in tackles and passes, he's what Vanderlei Luxemburgo calls a "tactical player," and a trusted man due to his experience. Always calm, he hopes to pass that tranquility on to his teammates during this important moment of the season.
"It's crucial to stay calm and composed. It's an important, decisive game that could determine a lot for us. We need to be as calm as possible to also pass that on to our teammates. It won't be easy, we'll work hard, but we have to be balanced," observed Maldonado, who is 30 years old and has already played 39 games and scored one goal for Flamengo.
With Maldonado and Willians motivated, Flamengo will face Cruzeiro on Sunday (November 28.11th) in Volta Redonda. Flamengo is 13th in the table with 43 points. The match against Cruzeiro will be at 17 PM. Cruzeiro has 63 points, in third place, and still has a chance at the title.
Since arriving at Gávea in early 2009, 24-year-old Willians has established himself in the starting lineup and won over the Flamengo fans thanks to his intense movement and dedication on the field. This is evident not only in his strong marking, but also in his tackles, attacking runs, and especially his will to win. A spirit he promises to maintain always, especially in decisive matches like this weekend's.
"We have to go in with a winning spirit, so we don't get caught off guard. We're calm, but we need to have the will to win, a lot of will, a lot of fighting spirit, because that's the only way we'll get the three points," said the midfielder, who has 103 appearances for Flamengo, with three goals, five assists, three titles and individual awards such as the top ball-winner in the last Brazilian Championship.
Maldonado also has plenty of drive. However, unlike Willians, he's more the type of player who "doesn't run, but makes the ball run." A very precise defensive midfielder in tackles and passes, he's what Vanderlei Luxemburgo calls a "tactical player," and a trusted man due to his experience. Always calm, he hopes to pass that tranquility on to his teammates during this important moment of the season.
"It's crucial to stay calm and composed. It's an important, decisive game that could determine a lot for us. We need to be as calm as possible to also pass that on to our teammates. It won't be easy, we'll work hard, but we have to be balanced," observed Maldonado, who is 30 years old and has already played 39 games and scored one goal for Flamengo.
With Maldonado and Willians motivated, Flamengo will face Cruzeiro on Sunday (November 28.11th) in Volta Redonda. Flamengo is 13th in the table with 43 points. The match against Cruzeiro will be at 17 PM. Cruzeiro has 63 points, in third place, and still has a chance at the title.
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