Maldonado celebrates his return to Flamengo's starting lineup
The midfielder will have a sequence of games and promises to improve with each match
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
After being sidelined for four months, Maldonado returned to play and has already reclaimed his starting position in Flamengo's midfield. Even so, the Chilean maintains that he can improve his performance over time. And the midfielder will have a good opportunity to continue his development this Wednesday against Universidad Católica in Santiago.
Still eyeing a spot in the World Cup, Maldonado believes every opportunity is important and hopes Andrade will keep him in the starting lineup for the midweek game.
"It's important to be able to play regularly. Last time, I couldn't get in, but now I have a chance to start and hopefully I can play. I'm feeling very good. As I get into games, I'm gaining more fitness, regaining confidence, and that makes me more relaxed," said the player, who said he was at 90% of his ideal performance level.
One of the most experienced players in the group, Maldonado was highly praised by his teammates. Ronaldo Angelim, who also recently returned to the starting lineup, liked the Chilean's contribution to protecting the defense. According to him, the Chilean's return could help Flamengo reach its best form.
"Maldonado's return has been a help; he's more positioned up front, and we always have to look to improve. He's extremely important and was sorely missed. The team is now showing greater consistency. I hope we can rediscover that style of play (from the 2009 Brazilian title), and that from now on we maintain a good run of victories and high-level performances," Angelim concluded.
Still eyeing a spot in the World Cup, Maldonado believes every opportunity is important and hopes Andrade will keep him in the starting lineup for the midweek game.
"It's important to be able to play regularly. Last time, I couldn't get in, but now I have a chance to start and hopefully I can play. I'm feeling very good. As I get into games, I'm gaining more fitness, regaining confidence, and that makes me more relaxed," said the player, who said he was at 90% of his ideal performance level.
One of the most experienced players in the group, Maldonado was highly praised by his teammates. Ronaldo Angelim, who also recently returned to the starting lineup, liked the Chilean's contribution to protecting the defense. According to him, the Chilean's return could help Flamengo reach its best form.
"Maldonado's return has been a help; he's more positioned up front, and we always have to look to improve. He's extremely important and was sorely missed. The team is now showing greater consistency. I hope we can rediscover that style of play (from the 2009 Brazilian title), and that from now on we maintain a good run of victories and high-level performances," Angelim concluded.