Cruzeiro Reinforcement has not yet been used by Seabra and will complete a month without playing < In Attack

Lucas Villalba arrived at Cruzeiro in February, expecting to be one of the names that would raise the level of the Celestial defense in 2024. Despite having a prominent status in the last Argentine Championship, the 29-year-old defender played little for Raposa and still did not gain opportunities with coach Fernando Seabra.

Villalba’s last performance was under the command of Nicolás Larcamón, who was fired from his position almost a month ago. Lucas started in the 0-0 draw with Universidad Católica, on April 4, in Ecuador.

Cruzeiro opted to play the debut of the Copa Sudamericana with a mixed team, as they would play the second leg of the Campeonato Mineiro final, against Atlético, three days later. Therefore, Villalba remained on the field for the 90 minutes.

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What were Villalba’s games?

Villalba played in six straight games between February 25th and April 4th. In the first three, the defender only entered in the complementary stage, a few minutes before the final whistle. This was the case in the clashes with Pouso Alegre (2-0), Uberlândia (2-0) and Tombense (0-0).

Then came his chances as a starter: against Atlético (2-2) and Universidad Católica (0-0), he played as a defender. In the second match against Tombense (3-1), he made up for Marlon’s absence on the left flank.

Who are Cruzeiro’s starting defenders?

Seabra has been rotating pairs in defense. João Marcelo, Zé Ivaldo and Neris have the coach’s preference and always alternate in the sector.

Villalba’s characteristics mainly favor schemes that use three defenders. Lucas is 1.77m tall and is used to playing that way or as a left-back. Seabra normally uses just two men in defense.

Villalba’s contractual situation

Villalba is on loan to Cruzeiro from Argentinos Juniors, from Argentina, until the end of 2024. To count on the defender, Raposa needed to pay R$2 million to the La Paternal club. If it wants to remain permanently with the athlete, the celestial board will have to pay an additional R$4 million.

With the exception of Villalba, all the reinforcements playing on the line have already made their debut with Seabra. Also awaiting their first opportunities with the coach are goalkeepers Léo Aragão and Gabriel Grando, who are in Anderson’s reserve.

Cruzeiro’s next match

Alianza and Cruzeiro face each other next Tuesday (7/4), in the fourth round of Group B of the Copa Sudamericana. The ball starts at 9:30 pm, at the Armando Maestre Pavajeau Stadium, in Valledupar, Colombia.

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