Samuel Lino completes one year at Flamengo, exceeding expectations and standing out under the command of Leonardo Jardim, solidifying his role as a key player in the team.
Amidst a period of ups and downs for Flamengo, one name shines brightly, marking a trajectory of constant evolution. Forward Samuel Lino celebrated his first year since debuting in the red-and-black jersey this Friday (31), a period that transformed from a challenging start into a moment of unexpected prominence. His rise has been a remarkable highlight for the team, contrasting with the inconsistency of other sectors.
Since his arrival, Samuel Lino has demonstrated an impressive capacity for adaptation. His debut on July 31, 2025, marked a 1-0 defeat to Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil. However, what is seen today is an athlete in peak form, personifying the success of the tactical work implemented by coach Leonardo Jardim at the Rio de Janeiro club.
Lino’s Tactical Transformation
Samuel Lino‘s evolution is directly linked to the change in coaching. Under the previous management, with Filipe Luís, the forward played more rigidly on the left wing. With the arrival of Leonardo Jardim, however, the tactical freedom granted to the number 16 allowed him to float more, occupying central spaces and becoming a fundamental piece in building plays.
Recently, Lino‘s versatility has been further explored, with the player taking on the role of ‘playmaker’ and even wearing the number 10 jersey in matches where the traditional attacking midfielders were absent. This flexibility has been crucial for Flamengo‘s tactical system.
Impressive Numbers and Standout Performance
The results of the new tactical approach are evident in the athlete’s statistics. Considering the international preseason friendlies and games under Leonardo Jardim‘s command, Samuel Lino has accumulated seven goals and 12 assists in the last five months. Throughout his first year at Flamengo, he participated in 70 matches, scored 13 goals, and contributed 20 assists, totaling 33 direct goal involvements.
Samuel Lino‘s preference for a more dynamic role was confirmed in a previous statement. In April, the forward shared his satisfaction with the new playing style:
“The difference with him is the ‘mobility’ to play centrally, with your back to goal, asking for the ball in behind, sometimes drifting wide… He gives that freedom, and I identify more with this style of play because I also like to ask for the ball a lot centrally. They are different playing styles. I felt very good during a period with Filipe, and now with Jardim, I’m feeling good in this run.”
Upcoming Challenges in the Brazilian Serie A
With Samuel Lino in top form and available, Flamengo is now focusing on the Brazilian Championship. The next fixture is against Vitória on August 9, in a match valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Serie A. The clash will take place at the Maracanã, scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM (Brasília time). The red-and-black team had a short break but reported back this Friday (31) at Ninho do Urubu, beginning a ten-day sequence of intensive training sessions leading up to the next game.
Flamengo remains in second place in the Brazilian Serie A, with 39 points and one game in hand compared to leader Palmeiras, who has 47. Vitória, their opponent in the next round, occupies the 13th position in the table with 26 points. Samuel Lino‘s good form will be crucial for the team to continue their pursuit of the top of the table and consolidate their position in the race for the national title.
Equipe M360
