Lou Bega, O-Zone, Shakira, la Macarena, we all have memories of a summer hit. For DFCO supporters, in the month of August 2022, it will certainly be the recital of striker Xande Silva. Since his arrival from English club Nottingham Forest, the 25-year-old Portuguese – who signed for three years – has been lighting up the Dijon game. First game in Pau, several clear chances. Second match against Caen, a roll and a superb goal. Nimes? A double assist. And Saturday in Metz, a goal … and a half since after scoring once, his shot in the second period was hit at the last moment by Mickaël Le Bihan.
“I play to have fun”
We stay moderate, we don’t get fired up, but it’s clear that he doesn’t have the time Alexandre Nascimento Costa Silva, he’s been on a mission to please the fans of the “Reds” since he asked the foot in Burgundy. He counts for a lot in the second place in Ligue 2 of the DFCO after five days.
After the 2-1 victory against Metz, we find the n°10 with a broad smile in the mixed zone of Saint-Symphorien. “We are here”. A few words in French for those who understand Molière’s language well when spoken to slowly. At the microphone of France Bleu Bourgogne, he details in English his philosophy of play, which transpires “joga bonito”literally the injunction “play well”“o jogo bonito” – the beautiful game popularized by Brazilians for generations.
“I like to play, I like football, I’m not someone who just plays for the money, I play to have fun every minute of the game, and that’s what I do on the pitch. “, theorizes the former West Ham, passed by Sporting Portugal during his training. He loves what he does, he loves his job, and it shows.
Admiring but demanding Omar Daf
Beyond the statistics, the trophies won, why does the public appreciate one player more than another? They are often those who are out of the ordinary, the whimsical, the imaginative. Characteristics specific to dribblersand therefore to “Regalito” Xande Silva. “On the offensive animation he brings us this madness which allows us to make the show even more, I love that, savors his trainer Omar Daf. We are very happy to have him with us because he is a creative player who allows us to make a difference up front.”.
Demanding, the former Sochaux technician develops the margins of progression of Portuguese : “On the collective work, there are things to put in place still, on the defensive withdrawals and on the aggressiveness at the loss of the ball”. Be careful not to restrain him too much, artists like him need freedom to express themselves fully.