Not even the most optimistic Flamengo fan could have expected such a good start for this celebrated Flamengo attacking duo in the 2010 season. Adriano and Vagner Love have been delivering what's expected of them—a ton of goals—and have been getting the fans more and more excited as the year progresses. The Emperor and the Artilheiro do Amor have already scored eleven goals together in just five matches together. In total, Flamengo has scored 18 times this year. In other words, more than half of the goals have been scored by the Império do Amor.

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While the attack enjoys its honeymoon with the fans, the defense has been suffering from the high number of goals conceded in the first few games. They've already conceded 12 in just six matches. Aware of the need for improvement, defender Ronaldo Angelim emphasizes that the red-and-black duo up front has been working, and that, over time, as the defense settles in, this balance will be crucial.

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"We're aware that we didn't perform well in today's game, but the important thing is that the team is doing very well in attack. Adriano and Vagner Love are doing very well, they're scoring goals again, and that's crucial for the team," said the number 4.

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Angelim's teammate in the Flamengo defensive duo, David praised the two forwards' humility. According to him, there's no vanity within the group, even after the vice president of football revealed that Love and Adriano have certain privileges within the club.

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"There's no vanity. We know that the coach only has 11 players to choose from, and those who aren't playing have to respect and help their teammates who are. That's how we won the Brazilian title. What worked, we can't change. We have to maintain the same attitude this year. I'm sure Flamengo is on the right track to win more titles this year," he concluded.