At 21 years old, Patrick Silva has been a starter in the last three Galo games and has been praised by a large part of the fans for his performances
After a start with few opportunities, defensive midfielder Patrick Silva has been one of Atlético’s highlights in recent games. To do so, the 21-year-old had to overcome competition from a player who cost Galo R$24 million. Patrick arrived at the Minas Gerais club at the beginning of this year, as a “bargaining chip” in the negotiation involving striker Paulinho’s transfer to Palmeiras. In addition to him, the black and white team received midfielder Gabriel Menino and R$116 million. The Academy product, however, did not have many opportunities at the beginning for Atlético. Menino himself took over the starting spot alongside Alan Franco, and as a result, the youngster had only played in four of the team’s 28 games in the season until May 15.
This scenario, however, has changed in recent games. Without Gabriel Menino (who suffered an injury to his left thigh and then came down with the flu), a vacancy opened up in the midfield. Rubens started out as a starter, but was moved to left back with the absence of Guilherme Arana, who was injured. As a result, Fausto Vera gained minutes with Cuca, but not for long. Compared to Atlético for around R$24 million last season and an absolute starter with Gabriel Milito, the Argentine does not enjoy the same prestige with the current coach.
And that was how Patrick received his first sequence as a starter for Atlético. He came on in the second half of Galo’s 3-1 victory over Caracas in the Copa Sul-Americana; and in the 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
His good performances led the midfielder to his first starting position in his career, against Maringá. And he couldn’t have made the most of his chance: he scored his first goal as a professional and helped the black and white team win 4-0, securing a spot in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Patrick has also been a starter in Atlético’s last three games, against Cienciano-PER, Corinthians and Ceará. With the youngster on the field, Galo has only conceded one goal: in the 1-1 draw with the Peruvian team, on a penalty kick taken by Cueva at the Arena MRV, in the South American. The black and white team’s number 20 has shown personality on the field, being an option for passing at various moments of the match. At 1.87m tall, he imposes himself physically and technically, showing that he can be an option for Cuca as well as other more popular players in the squad.
Patrick could return to being Atlético’s starter in the match against Internacional. The duel is scheduled for June 12, Thursday, at 9:30 pm, at the Arena MRV, for the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship. The midfielder, however, is closely monitoring Guilherme Arana’s recovery. If the left-back recovers, it is possible that Rubens will return to the midfield. Patrick has a contract with Atlético until December 2028. One of Palmeiras’ standout players in the youth team, the player made his professional debut for Galo. In addition to him, Cuca has options for the sector: Alan Franco, Gabriel Menino, Rubens and Fausto Vera.
