Spanish press praises Samuel Lino’s form at Flamengo: “He has found his place”
Samuel Lino‘s talent has once again been under the international spotlight, this time drawing genuine admiration. The renowned Spanish newspaper “Diario AS” dedicated a report to the forward’s spectacular form at Flamengo, asserting that the player has “found his place” at the Rio-based club. The publication highlights that the move to the Rubro-Negro has not only reignited Lino’s career but also restored him to the prominent role that seemed to have slipped away following his stint at Atlético de Madrid.
For “Diario AS,” Samuel Lino‘s current moment in Brazilian football is one of the peaks of his career. The Spanish outlet does not hesitate to state that the forward “is shining at Flamengo” and that the decision to leave Atlético de Madrid “proved to be a step forward in his career.” This resurgence is mainly attributed to the player’s remarkable performance since his return to Brazil, where he has rediscovered his path to high-level play.
A Journey of Rediscovery
“Diario AS”‘s analysis traces the origins of Samuel Lino‘s rise, recalling his time at Gil Vicente and, later, his standout period at Valencia before arriving at Atlético de Madrid. In the eyes of coach Diego Simeone, Lino was a winger with a unique ability to break down opponents in individual duels, with an instinct for exploiting space and finishing with precision. In the 2023/24 season, his numbers confirmed that perception, with eight goals and eight assists.
However, the restructuring of the Madrid squad eventually limited the Brazilian’s opportunities. “Diario AS” points out that a dip in performance and the arrival of new signings were deciding factors in the club’s choice to negotiate with Flamengo, marking the start of a new and promising chapter in the athlete’s career.
The False Nine that Conquered Spain
The move to Brazilian football, according to the Spanish newspaper, was a turning point for Samuel Lino. “Diario AS” emphasizes that the forward has regained his best form wearing the red-and-black jersey:
“Samuel Lino has found his place in the world. After several months wearing the Flamengo shirt, the Brazilian forward has rediscovered his best form.”
One of the crucial points for this evolution, according to the report, is the tactical adaptation implemented by coach Filipe Luís. Utilizing Samuel Lino as a false nine opened up new offensive perspectives, boosting his stats and his impact on the game:
“A position in which he has significantly improved his offensive statistics.”
Even in the face of the acknowledged competitiveness of the Brazilian Serie A, considered the toughest league on the continent, Samuel Lino demonstrated a quick adaptation and has returned to being a decisive player. The Spanish newspaper dispels the notion that European-based players would struggle to shine in the tournament, citing Lino’s success as a prime example. With a total of 14 assists in 2026—nine in official matches and five in friendlies, including three goal-scoring passes in the recent thrashing of Olimpia—the forward has reaffirmed his starring role.
Samuel Lino‘s current phase at Flamengo is not just a moment of personal glory, but also a testament to the transformative power of Brazilian football and a player’s ability to find their best football when they find the right environment. The forward’s future promises to be even brighter, with the certainty that he has become a fan favorite and a star in his prime.
