Flamengo sound like a mirror image of ourselves !
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There is a European feel to this Flamengo side, not least in the shape of their Portuguese manager, Jorge Jesus.
The Corinthians side managed by the Tite, which defeated Rafa Benitez’s Chelsea side in the 2012 Club World Cup also had something European, but theirs was more of a tactical rigidity.
Flamengo, on the other hand, finished top of the Brazilian Serie A table by some distance thanks to their attacking prowess than any defensive solidity.
They scored 22 goals more than the next best attacking side, Gremio, but only had the 6th best defence in the league conceding 37 in 38 games.
Flamengo are more open and attacking and have a number of weapons up front.
The highest-profile of these is Gabriel Barbosa, or Gabigol as he is sometimes known, who is on loan at the club from Inter.
He’s supported by Bruno Henrique, Éverton Ribeiro and Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta who form a potent attacking threat, while Diego also provides an element of creativity and unpredictability but usually from the bench.
“Flamengo have been an unstoppable force under Jorge Jesus this season and were deserved winners of both the Brasileirão [league title] and Copa Libertadores,” says Louis Smith, a South American football writer for World Football Index.
“Their high-pressing style along with a high defensive line is something which is unusual in Brazil but something which has worked so well for them.”
Like Liverpool, Falmengo’s full-backs have been an important part of their attacking play and here there are more European links in the shape of former Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis, and ex-Bayern right-back Rafinha.
“This sees them with eight men in the opposition half at times,” adds Smith.
“When they lose the ball, they win it back almost instantly by suffocating their opponents’ space.”
A really positive outlook there.
