In April Santos was in a difficult situation: nearly out of the Copa Libertadores, and not in the best of positions in the Paulista League. That’s when the direction called Muricy Ramalho, and it was probably one of the best decisions they ever took.
With 4 titles in his last 5 seasons on his CV, Ramalho’s mission was to put back the team on its two feet.
And only 42 days after Ramalho took the commands of the team, Santos has radically changed: the team is now in the semi final of the Copa Libertadores and has won the Paulista League in an exciting finish.
What really changed? The tactics! Ramalho has given priority to the defense, and turned the entire team into a solid bloc in which the more offensive players (Neymar and Ze Eduardo) are the first ones to put pressure on the adversary. A striking example of this change is that the goalkeeper, Rafael, had not conceived a goal in 7 games until the game in the Copa Libertadores last Wednesday.
Durval y Edu Dracena are two efficient central defenders who bring experience and solidity to the team.
Ramalho wants to use Jonhatan as Neymar’s counterpart on the right. Throughout the first part of the season Santos was unbalanced with only Neymar bringing the danger on the left, but now that Jonathan healed from his numerous injuries the team is more balanced and can play on both side of the pitch.
Ramalho counts on the former player from Benfica, Leo, to cover Neymar defensively. He also has the option of Alex Sandro in this position. But Sandro has still much to learn in term of defense and it is a real opportunity for him to have Ramalho as a coach.
In the center of the pitch the two defensive midfielders have played an incredible season. Arouca and Danilo capacity to get the ball back from the other team has been fundamental in the last games. It is amazing to see how easily the young Danielo has adapted to his new role. Let’s not forget that only a month ago he was playing for the under 20 as a right back. His strength and speed allows him to be a dynamic midfielder helping the wings with strategic cover.
Elano is a key player for the team, not only for his 11 goals in the Paulista League. He is very good with free kicks and corner kicks and has great defensive capacity completing Arouca and Danilo when the game needs to be closed in the midfield.
6 months after his knee operation, Ganso has made a good come back, increasing his rhythm games after games and coming back at his best. A new injury now leaves him unavailable for a 5 week. Ganso absence has given Alan Patrick, another youngster of the club the opportunity to become an important player and good partner for Neymar.
Ze Eduardo is a complete forward who brings movement and strength up front. He has Ramalho’s entire confidence.
Of course the team’s star is Neymar. He is only 19 but is already a national idol. Ramalho asks him a lot of defensive work but when it comes to attacking the young player is entirely free. He loves to play along the left line of the pitch. From there he can show his skills and reached the goals with diagonals.
It is probable that Santos will lose some players in July, when the European transfer window opens. But Ramalho will still have a strong side to present in the Brazilian Championship which starts this week end. Ramalho will play the first game against Internacional with his B team considering the Semi Final of the Copa America, but with this coach Santos is one of the main favorites for the title.
