The good performance of Richard Ríos and Jhon Arias in the Brazilian league brought them closer to the Colombia selection. They surrendered and took over the title in America Cup.
The most powerful soccer in South America ended up forming the Antioqueño and the Chocoano. If something characterizes their tournaments, it is competitiveness. He complemented natural technique with intensity and draws on the experience of players from Europe that he constantly brings back. He won the last five Conmebol Libertadores.
Such dominance requires extra commitment from the players. Richard and Jhon He achieved this at two of the big clubs: Palmeiras and Fluminense. This visibility got him into the national team.
Rivers, Palmeiras’ revelation
The 24-year-old midfielder started out in indoor soccer. He caught the attention of a Brazilian scout who eventually ended up with Flamengo in 2020. The experience was difficult, he played six games in Mexico, went on to promotion with Guaraní and landed at Palmeiras.
It went from less to more with coach Abel Ferreira. He won the Brasileirao 2023 and the São Paulo twice (2023 and 2024). He took over the midfield due to his dynamics, understanding of the game and medium distance. He was a starter in 29 games in the first half of the year, with two goals.
In the Selection he received his first call for the start of the Qualifiers. He was in nine games, scored a goal and now accompanies Jefferson Lerma in the half.
“I put him in because I saw him doing well in all these days of training. We saw him powerful, he breaks forward well, he has good ball handling. He hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. He’s a player who will grow and will give us a lot,” said the coach after the opening victory against Paraguay.
Arias solves everything in the National Team
The group stage that they faced with Santa Fe in Conmebol Libertadores 2021 captivated Fluminense. They signed him in the second semester and the Cariocas entered history. He won the first Cup the previous year with a lot of influence in the 13 title games. He had two goals, three assists. He also won the Cup Winners’ Cup.
Reinaldo Rueda brought him closer to microcycles in Selection. Néstor Lorenzo consolidated it in 2022. He is the offensive midfielder with the most minutes of his era. 1070 in 15 games.
Due to his versatility he is highly appreciated in the team. He plays inside, on the sides, comes and goes.
The other Colombians of Brazil
James, Rafa Borré and Santiago Arias also play in that league. The 10th lost place in Sao Paulo with coach Luis Zubeldía. The attacker delayed his adaptation at Inter de Porto Alegre. He has three goals in 10 games. The full-back rotates in ownership in Bahia.
