Late Tuesday afternoon, the phone rang at Vitor Saba's house. The 18-year-old was asleep when he received some of the best news of his life: he had been promoted to Flamengo's first team. The versatile young player, who emerged at Ninho do Urubu, plays both left-back and midfielder and is being touted as a replacement for a possible departure from Everton, who, according to coach Andrade himself, is unlikely to stay at Gávea.

Vítor Saba arrived at Flamengo in early 2007 to join the club's youth squad. Prior to that, he had played for arch-rival Vasco da Gama since 2001. Upon his arrival at Gávea, he won his first title: the Copa Internacional Circuito das Águas. He remained a key player in the 2007 season, also participating in the Campeonato Carioca and Copa Macaé that year.

 "I was taken by surprise. Today I was even sleeping when they called me and gave me the news. It hasn't sunk in yet. I think it will only sink in tomorrow when I train and travel with the group. I'm very happy. It's the realization of a dream, a goal, and I'll do my best to stay in the squad."

The player's main characteristic is his excellent touch on the ball, and since 2008, he has been used both in midfield and on the left wing for coaches Rogério Lourenço and Armênio Moura. Vitor is also a good option for set pieces. At the youth level, he has consistently taken free kicks and corners.

"I believe I will be tested in Everton's position, because I am a player who performs similar roles to him, dropping down the left wing and also playing in the middle," concluded Saba.

Victor Saba
Full name: Victor Rodrigues Saba
birth: 11 July 1990
City: Rio de Janeiro
Position: Left Back/Midfielder
Level: 1,81 m
Weight: 71 kg