Rafael Galhardo's strong performances in the Eurofarma Junior Super Cup have earned him a seemingly permanent promotion to Flamengo's first-team squad. During last year's sixth-title campaign, he had a few opportunities at his original position, right-back, but now coach Rogério Lourenço can use him in a different role: in midfield.

"Rogério always talks to me, he put me in training last week as a starter, and said he'd give me the freedom to play on the right flank with Leonardo Moura... I'm happy to have the coach's trust. He asked me to warm up when Williams felt the pain in the match against Ceará, and I almost came on, and I'll keep working hard to get chances," he said.

The player believes he can form a good partnership with Leonardo Moura, who is considered a role model for him. They have a good relationship off the field, and they hope to gel on it as well if opportunities arise.

"It has everything to work out. He talked to me too, he said I have similar characteristics to him, so if we play together, when he goes through the middle, I'll be wide, on the wing... We talk a lot, we're friends off the field and I hope that, when I get a chance, we can play together and have a good game," observed the player, who highlighted the importance of training sessions like the one last Monday to perfect fundamentals such as crossing and set pieces.

"It was a good training session, especially for the full-backs and forwards. It's always good to improve that skill. I always try to practice free kicks towards goal, always trying to put the ball in the corner to be good," he added.

\

Follow Flamengo's official Twitter profile

\

Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website

\

Check out the audio gallery on Flamengo's Official Website

\

Participate in the "Be part of this team" promotion

Participate in the "King Vulture" promotion