“Brazil’s Brilliant Breakout: Matheus Franca Shines as the New Sensation!”

The Final Third.
On a Hattrick
Published in
3 min readJul 4, 2023

Matheus Franca is a highly talented player known for his ability to make things happen on the field. He excels as a number 10, using his impressive passing skills to create opportunities for his team. He likes to drift towards the left side and cut inside onto his right foot, adding unpredictability to his play. What sets Franca apart is his physicality and versatility. He can play as a false nine, a winger, or an attacking midfielder, adapting to different positions effortlessly.

Franca’s ability to make progressive passes from the half spaces sets him apart. He intelligently drifts towards the left wing, allowing him to cut inside onto his favored right foot and exploit defensive vulnerabilities. What makes Franca intriguing is his physical development, which enables him to seamlessly transition between roles, including false nine, winger, and attacking midfielder, confounding opponents and bolstering his team’s tactical options.

Noteworthy for his elegant dribbling and quick footwork, Franca embodies the classic Brazilian flair. However, what truly distinguishes him is his astute game intelligence and decision-making. Despite his youth, Franca demonstrates a remarkable understanding of the game, consistently making intelligent choices and displaying a keen awareness of his surroundings.

Franca’s exceptional speed and well-timed runs behind the defensive line deserve admiration. His ability to identify gaps and deliver incisive through balls propels his team’s attacking momentum, showcasing his proficiency in passing rather than relying solely on dribbling. When off the ball, Franca’s tactical contributions come to the fore. His tendency to drift towards the left wing poses a strategic challenge for defenders, as their adjustments inadvertently create space for Franca’s teammates to exploit.

Examining his statistical performance, Franca ranks among the elite attacking midfielders and wingers. His aptitude for completing progressive passes places him in the upper echelon of his position. Additionally, his accuracy in delivering crosses and crucial passes in the final third underscores his versatility and playmaking abilities. Notably, Franca’s high number of carries per match illustrates his capacity to drive the ball forward, significantly impacting his team’s offensive output.

Drawing comparisons to renowned player Kevin De Bruyne, Franca seamlessly combines exceptional passing ability, tactical acumen, and the fluid dribbling skills commonly associated with his peers. This amalgamation of qualities positions him as a well-rounded midfielder, capable of leaving a lasting impact on the global stage as he continues to develop.

While Franca’s offensive contributions deserve praise, his defensive game warrants improvement. Nevertheless, his tenacity, physical engagement, and unwavering passion for the sport hint at his potential for growth in this aspect. As he refines his defensive positioning and pressing abilities, Franca will become an even more formidable and complete player, offering valuable defensive contributions to his team.

In conclusion, Matheus Franca’s ascension in Brazilian football attests to his exceptional talent, dedicated work ethic, and the nurturing environment provided by Flamengo. From a tactical perspective, Franca’s playmaking skills, positional versatility, and astute game understanding make him a captivating subject for analysis. With his unique skill set and promising potential, Franca is undoubtedly poised to make a profound impact in the football landscape.

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The Final Third.
On a Hattrick

From game plans to player roles, i break down the strategies used by teams to help you understand the beautiful game like never before.