Atlético had a good second half collectively in Itaquera and worked to build the comeback 2-1 over the Corinthians. But I couldn’t achieve the result without the Hulk.
Two decisive goals, one taking a free-kick to show his versatility. So he ended a ten-game fast without going to the net, but in this period he continued to be fundamental.
At the Brazilian Nationals, there are four goals and five assists. Direct participation in nine of Galo’s 16 goals. Not to mention, for example, the spectacular run with a pass to Savarino in Dylan Borrero’s goal against América.
Hulk has been acting as a center forward, but he also stands out on the right side of the attack. Pulling counterattacks and using his characteristic play: cut in and hard kick. That’s how it exploded in Porto and was fundamental in the national domain of the team from 2008 to 2012, with the “plus” of winning the Europa League.
He was one of the “spotted” by 7-1 and ended up “hidden” in Zenit and in soccer Chinese, but always with titles. Career that can continue to win in Brazil. If there was no doubt about the attacker’s potential, even at 34 years old, it is clear that the mental part is as strong as the physical. The focus is absolute.
In the season, there are 13 goals and 9 assists in 32 matches. He is the team’s top scorer, but also the leader in goal passing, submissions, on-target conclusions, dribbling and fouls. The big impact on Atlético and now on the Brazilian is unquestionable. Hulk commands the attack, literally.
The problem is dependency. Even bigger when Nacho Fernández is not on the field. Against Corinthians, even the absence of Savarino, who completes the decisive trio that in most games carries the team on their backs.
Keeping proper proportions and without individual comparisons, he remembers what Adriano Imperador, with the help of Petkovic, did in Flamengo’s Brazilian title in 2009. The fickle team led by Andrade, Cuca’s successor, managed an impressive run down the final stretch and won the title .
But the red-black team, at the time, took advantage of a “power vacuum” of São Paulo three-time champion that Palmeiras, Internacional and Atlético itself were unable to fill. Now the competition seems heavier and the game more studied. And the team from Minas is not just dedicated to the Brazilian, despite the obsession with the title that it hasn’t won since 1971. You can’t throw all the responsibility on the backs of two or three individuals.
Still, the Rooster is taking it. It won the state championship and is still very much alive on all fronts. On Tuesday, decision with the Boca Juniors for the spot in the quarters of Libertadores in Mineirão. Hulk will be essential once again.
It’s just not a superhero. Cuca needs to find more offensive solutions in a large and homogeneous cast to justify Galo’s big investment.
(Statistics: Footstats)
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