Site analyses Atlético-MG's defence; see how it's performing
· Yahoo Sports
With the signing of Léo Duarte, coach Eduardo Domínguez gains new options to set up Atlético-MG’s defensive system.
The sector has been undergoing adjustments, especially after Júnior Alonso’s departure to Atlanta United (USA), which left an important tactical gap: the absence of a left-footed ball-playing center-back.
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The performance and profile of the main players available to the coaching staff were detailed by the website ge. Check them out below!
Ruan Tressoldi: With 29 appearances and 2 goals this season, he was signed permanently and is currently considered the only undisputed starter.
Léo Duarte: Right-footed, quick, and good on the ball. He arrives from Turkish football, where he made 34 appearances and recorded 1 assist for Basaksehir.
Lyanco: With only 12 matches this year, he is still improving his fitness after an Achilles tendon injury. He stands out for being very strong in the air and at closing down spaces inside the box.
Vitor Hugo: He played in 20 matches and scored 2 goals. He is the only left-footed player used regularly in the team, but he does not have the ideal ball-playing ability the coaching staff is looking for.
Iván Román: The Chilean has received few opportunities under Domínguez, totaling just 9 appearances and 1 goal.
🛡️ The Projection of the Ideal Back Three
Commentator Henrique Fernandes believes the arrival of the new signing changes Galo’s defensive dynamics. With the full squad available, the ideal back three would now be set up as follows:
On the Right (Léo Duarte): The new signing has the speed and technical quality needed to track runners and start build-up play from the right side, a space that had been filled improvisationally by full-back Natanael.
In the Center (Lyanco): Duarte’s presence on the right allows Lyanco to play centrally. It is his most natural position, where he can better make use of his space-closing ability and aerial dominance.
On the Left (Ruan Tressoldi): Even though he is right-footed, he would take the left side because he offers more technical quality and overall reliability compared to the current left-footed options.
🔍 The Lack on the Left Side
Although the area is more solid with Ruan staying, Lyanco’s recovery, and the arrival of Léo Duarte, the squad still has a clearly defined weak point.
The club lacks a quick left-footed center-back with passing ability. Vitor Hugo, the main option with a dominant left foot, does not provide the desired fluency in build-up play. The other alternatives on the bench are Iván Román, who is not among the preferred options, and young academy player Vitão, who has not even taken the field in 2026.
Until the board finds that piece on the market, the tendency is for Atlético to keep having to improvise right-footed defenders on the left side in order to maintain the team’s technical level.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.