The fight for a starting position at the soccer team of Flamengo promises to heat up with the defensive end of the roster expected to be the tightest battle.

 

The battle for fullback will be between the players Ronaldo Angelim, from Dinamo of Kiev-UCR, and the current starter Rodrigo.

 

"We'll see who will play where. I am working hard and only the coach will be able to decide. I am training to be ready at any time," stated Angelim.

 

"Competition motivates me. For this reason, all of us will be ready. The real winner is the team who can count on having players of high quality," he added.

 

Meanwhile, the head coach of the team, Joel Santana, has the difficult task of defining the starting roster for the 2008 season. Angelim recommended to the coach a change in strategy -- moving from the 4-4-2 to the 3-5-2.

 

"Three fullbacks wouldn't be bad at all. It would be easier. Joel is a smart guy and he will know exactly what to do and what is best for Flamengo. I am sure of it," said Angelim.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2008)