When Tiquinho Soares placed his hand behind his right thigh during the match between Botafogo and Universitario for Conmebol Libertadores, the hearts of Botafoguenses felt anguish and fear. What would the team be like without the technique and finishing of the owner of the number 9 shirt.
Voz do Setorista: Is Tiquinho missing from Botafogo?
Three games later, the answer came from midfielder Eduardo. He was the one who took the blame right away, precisely against the Peruvians. He came on and scored two goals to secure the victory that kept the team alive in the continental tournament.
The number 33 scored again, this time in the other cup. The instep of the right foot concluded the beautiful collective play that passed through the feet of all 10 outfield players and guaranteed the advantage against Vitória in the third phase of the Copa do Brasil (see video below).
The fans’ boos and criticisms due to the drop in performance in 2023 gave way to applause and the nickname “Sheik”, which marked the player’s best moments for Alvinegro.
– We know he is an important player for us due to his quality, experience and the game he played. With a more mobile attack, he is a player who can add that too. It is essential that he can be within the finishing zone – analyzed Artur Jorge.
Botafogo scores a collective goal over Vitória in the Copa do Brasil
The goal against Vitória placed Eduardo, alongside Tiquinho Soares, as the team’s second top scorer in the current season, with six. The leader is Júnior Santos, who scored 14 times and is the best in this regard among all Libertadores players, including.
Júnior himself highlighted in the mixed zone after the match against Universitario that Eduardo’s entry meant that the game didn’t change much for him, as the roles he would perform would be similar.
The midfielder’s qualities allow Artur Jorge to create alternatives to keep the team offensive and creative even without the number 9.
– Both number 9 shirts are injured. We have Junior Santos who plays this role and today it was important to have him as a solution rather than starting the match due to his physical condition. There are 3 games this week and it is important to take care of the athletes’ health
The next challenge is this Sunday. Botafogo hosts Bahia at 6:30 pm at the Nilton Santos Stadium for the Brazilian Championship. The lineup will only be confirmed during the conference, on the morning of the day of the game, but Artur Jorge knows he can count on Eduardo to decide again.
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Tags: Eduardo Tiquinhos absence settles cups Botafogo botafogo
