Palmeiras' midfield takes center stage after Abel's changes

Palmeiras is experiencing a turning point in midfield. Until recently, the midfield was a source of concern for Abel Ferreira, but has become a key player in recent matches. Two strategic decisions by the coach explain this shift: Flaco López's new role and Andreas Pereira's rapid rise.

The first change came after the team's elimination to Corinthians in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Since then, Abel has used Flaco less consistently in attack, in a system that also features Vitor Roque. The Argentine has taken on a playmaker role, dropping back to look for play and even acting as a true number 10, responsible for leading counterattacks and distributing vertical passes.

Furthermore, the arrival of Andreas Pereira further enhanced the quality of the sector. A natural defensive midfielder, the new signing demonstrated versatility and began playing as a midfielder. In the last two matches, he paired with Flaco ahead of Lucas Evangelista, a partnership that has already yielded results. Against River Plate, in the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals, Andreas found Flaco, who set up Vitor Roque to score.

Over the weekend, against Fortaleza, it was Andreas who made the difference. Coming off the bench, he scored his first goals for the club with two shots from outside the box, reinforcing his good form.

Therefore, the tendency is for this formation to be used again this Wednesday (24/9), at 9:30 pm, at Allianz Parque, in the decisive duel against River Plate for the Libertadores.

The midfield's evolution, however, increases competition for space. After all, Mauricio, a constant player after the Club World Cup, lost his place in the match against Argentina. Furthermore, Raphael Veiga, a key player in other moments, also faces an unprecedented situation: fighting to regain his place in a team showing clear signs of collective evolution.

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