The media professionals who attended Flamengo's recreational training session last Friday at Ninho do Urubu had the opportunity to witness an unusual sight: a defender scoring a stunning goal. The feat was scored by David, who plays as a striker in the group's practice matches. After a ball was thrown high, the number 14 took a chance with a volley and hit it home, surprising even his own Flamengo teammates. As always in good spirits, he celebrated the goal, jokingly mocked Vinícius Pacheco, one of his main rivals, and left the field happy, despite his team's defeat.

And David has made his mark in serious matches too. In fact, in the most important match in Flamengo's history in recent years, he found the net. The defender scored the goal that paved the way for a 2-1 comeback victory over Grêmio in the final round of the 2009 Brasileirão, giving the Gávea club its sixth national championship. Regarding his reputation as a goalscoring defender, he prefers to be modest and say that his job isn't to score, but to prevent goals. But if a ball is left over, who knows...

"It was a beautiful goal, right? But it's only in the kick-off that I venture into attack. Of course, when an aerial ball comes up, especially from a corner or a free kick on the wing, we advance and try to score, but our job is to prevent goals from behind. Scoring a goal is always good, but the main mission is not to concede," he said.

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At 23 years old, David will play his 31st game for Flamengo this Saturday and has already scored two goals.

Tactical Training
Coach Rogério Lourenço hasn't yet decided on his starting lineup for Saturday's match against Goiás. The coach's doubts also surround the team's formation: 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. With two defenders at his side or just one, David is content with one thing: being on the field.

"I don't have a preference for a formation and I leave that decision to Professor Rogério. But I believe the team performed well with three defenders. In the match against Palmeiras, unfortunately, I was left out, but against Grêmio I was able to play and I believe the team performed very well," said the player, who only regretted the fact that the team hasn't been able to replicate just once so far in this Brazilian Championship.

"Not being able to repeat the lineup is a bit of a problem, because sometimes you're used to playing with one player on your side and suddenly another one comes in who doesn't have the same style of play. It's complicated. But it's just another challenge we have to overcome. To be champions, you have to overcome obstacles. We know that and we're going to get results," he added.