Young Lions new Brazilian recruit Leandro
Rodrigues (above, 2nd from left).
Youve got to be a wee bit special if you come under the
recommendation of someone like Brazilian maestro Peres De
Oliveira.
That special someone is none other than the Young Lions new
Brazilian recruit Leandro Rodrigues.
The 22 year-old, who spent five years at Brazilian club Flamenco as
a youth player, came to Singapore last month to play in the
S.League.
He was given his chance to feature in the starting lineup against
mighty Tampines Rovers on Saturday. Alas, it was not a dream debut
for the Brazilian as his side went down 1-0 all thanks to his
compatriot Peres who converted a penalty in the first half.
Speaking to a group of reporters after the match - with Peres
acting as interpreter - Leandro shared his experiences in Singapore
so far.
The clean-shaven midfielder said, I am satisfied with my
performance (against Tampines) but I feel that theres still room
for improvement.
Its only my first competitive game in Singapore, so I still need
time to adapt to my new team, the food and my new
surroundings."
Leandro was quick to point out the difference between Brazilian and
Singaporean football.
There is definitely a big difference in the way football is played
in Singapore and in Brazil," he said.
In Brazil, the players tend to retain possession and pass the ball
around. In Singapore, the players tend to use long ball tactics. So
with time, I will adapt to the way football is played here.
During the game, Leandro displayed his silky skills and masterful
techniques on the ball. He was the Cubs designated dead-ball
specialist the way he delivered the freekicks and cornerkicks
truly confirmed that Leandro was indeed Brazilian.
Team manager Eugene Loo was quick to praise him. You can see that
hes (Leandro) got good technique and skill. Its been one month
since he trained with us.
"Now we just have to see whether he can adapt well to the
Singaporean climate and surroundings.
Not everyone was fully impressed by Leandro though.
Stags coach Vorawan Chitavanich commented, Yes, theres no doubt
that he is a very good player. However, he needs to learn to
release the ball faster because once players mark him down, he will
lose possession easily.
Its not easy for someone like Leandro to learn from a coach who
does not speak his language. However, he revealed that both he and
the coaching staff work hard at communicating with each other
through various hand and body signals, plus a sputtering of English
words.
I talk a lot with my coach (V Sundram Moorthy) about where is my
best position to help the team. There is a lot of communication
going on between me and him," said Leandro.
"I told him that my preferred position is playmaker, playing just
behind the strikers.
Even though language is a barrier for the talented Brazilian, he
finds his new team mates endearing.
I find that my team mates are very good and they are easy to play
with. But most importantly, I like them because they welcome me,
he enthused.
Leandro may not have enjoyed the best start to his S.League career
but theres no doubt that he will be a force to be reckoned with in
the future.
Who knows, maybe in a few years time, he will be the one who does
the recommending of players to the S-League.