(photo: Gustavo Aleixo/Cruzeiro)
Reinforcement hired by Cruzeiro at the request of former coach Nicolás Larcamón at the beginning of this season, Lucas Villalba has not yet entered the field under the command of Fernando Seabra. Is there dissatisfaction with the reservation or with the internal situation at the celestial club? The report of On Attack found out how the defender is dealing with the lack of opportunities at Raposa.
Villalba’s last performance was under the guidance of 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 Quito, Ecuador, in the first round of Group B of the Copa Sudamericana.
At the time, Cruzeiro chose to debut in the international tournament 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.
Contact the portal On Attacka person linked to the staff de Villalba stated that the Argentine is satisfied at Cruzeiro and is fighting for space in training. She also explained that the lack of chances has nothing to do with adapting to the new culture.
“We hope he can have regularity soon. He has to train and be 100%, because the chances will come. Lucas is very well and happy with the club and the city,” he said.
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.
Under Seabra’s command, Cruzeiro’s defense has been lined up with João Marcelo and Zé Ivaldo. The coach also gave Neris opportunities in the first matches, but he has been left out of the starting lineup in recent games. Villalba is the fourth option in defense at the moment.
Contractual situation of defender at Cruzeiro
Villalba is on loan to Cruzeiro from Argentinos Juniors, from Argentina, until December 31st of this year. To count on the defender, Raposa needed to pay R$2 million to the La Paternal club.
If it wants to sign the 29-year-old player permanently, the celestial board will have to pay an additional R$4 million for all of the economic rights.
