Chelsea Prospect Santos Heaps Praise on Flamengo’s Erick Pulgar
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Erick Pulgar’s stellar performances for flamengo aren’t just turning heads in South America; they’re catching the attention of Europe’s elite. despite playing outside the major European leagues, the Chilean midfielder is earning high praise, even from players with ties to Chelsea.
Andrey Santos, the Chelsea midfielder currently on loan with Strasbourg Racing, delivered a glowing assessment of Pulgar’s abilities. santos, who Chelsea acquired from Vasco da Gama for a reported €14 million, spoke highly of Pulgar’s impact on the pitch.
Speaking with ESPN, Santos stated, To mention one who is not so prominent by the press and I think he is one of the best flyers today in Brazilian football, but the best, Erick Pulgar. He is very good, very intelligent.
Santos’s comments highlight the respect Pulgar commands within the professional ranks, even among players who might be considered rivals.
Santos further elaborated on Pulgar’s game, drawing parallels to a seasoned veteran: The way in which Filipe Luis plays is quite similar to that of us in Strasbourg and, as I like to see matches, I always stay analyzing in him the issue of intelligence or how he makes the game easily.
this comparison to Filipe Luis, a Champions League winner with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, underscores the high regard Santos has for Pulgar’s tactical awareness and ability to simplify the game.
Pulgar’s influence extends beyond individual brilliance. santos emphasized his crucial role in dictating the tempo and flow of Flamengo’s attacks. He makes the ball reach midfielders with a tranquility… And many times the function of the steering wheel ends unnoticed, which is to mark well and make the fluid game, with peace of mind,
Santos noted. This ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball effectively is a hallmark of top-tier defensive midfielders, a role pulgar excels in.
pulgar’s impressive 2025 Season
The 31-year-old Pulgar has featured in 10 matches for Flamengo this season, playing a pivotal role in their success. He recently celebrated winning the Carioca Championship after Flamengo defeated Fluminense.
Despite his club form, Pulgar was surprisingly left out of Ricardo gareca’s squad for Chile’s World Cup qualifying matches against Paraguay and Ecuador.This decision has sparked debate among Chilean fans and pundits, with many questioning the omission of such a key player.
One potential counterargument to Santos’s praise is the level of competition in the brazilian league compared to Europe’s top leagues. While the Brasileirão is undoubtedly a strong league, some argue that it lacks the tactical sophistication and intensity of the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A. However, Santos’s experience in both South American and European football lends weight to his assessment of Pulgar’s abilities.
Further investigation could explore Pulgar’s potential transfer to a European club. Given his age and current form, a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) or Liga MX could also be a viable option, offering American fans the chance to see his talents firsthand. It would also be interesting to analyze the tactical reasons behind Gareca’s decision to exclude pulgar from the Chilean national team and whether this decision will be revisited in future call-ups.
Erick Pulgar: Key Stats and Comparisons
To fully appreciate Erick Pulgar’s impact, consider these key statistics from the 2025 season:
| Statistic | Value | Description | Comparison |
| ———————- | ———— | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— | ——————————————————————————————————– |
| Matches Played | 10 | Appearances for Flamengo in all competitions. | Demonstrates consistent selection and importance to the team. |
| goals Scored | 1 | Number of goals scored in the 2025 season. | While not a primary goal scorer, this indicates his contribution to attacking plays. |
| Assists | 2 | Number of assists provided to teammates. | Highlights Pulgar’s ability to create scoring chances from a defensive midfield position. |
| Pass Completion Rate | 88% | Percentage of passes completed successfully. | Shows a high degree of accuracy and efficiency in distributing the ball, a key attribute of a playmaker. |
| Tackles per Match | 2.5 | Average number of tackles made per match, demonstrating defensive prowess. | Reflects his effectiveness in winning back posession for the team. |
| Interceptions per Match | 1.2 | Average number of interceptions made per match, highlighting his anticipation. | Indicates his ability to read the game and disrupt opposition attacks. |
| Aerial Duels Won | 2.0 | The average number of aerial duels won per match, showcasing his dominance in the air. | Demonstrates his physical presence and ability to win balls in the air,very critical to a DM role. |
This statistical overview clearly shows Pulgar’s all-around contribution to flamengo. His high pass completion rate, combined with defensive prowess, underlines Andrey Santos’s assessment of his intelligence and ability to control the game.
Expert Insights: Beyond the Numbers
To gain further insight, a seasoned football analyst and former professional player, Ricardo Rocha, offered his viewpoint: “pulgar’s game is reminiscent of the best defensive midfielders I’ve seen. He combines tactical understanding with exceptional ball control. The fact that a player like Andrey Santos, familiar with the demands of top-level European football, recognizes his talent speaks volumes. His absence from the Chilean national team is puzzling, considering his consistent performances for Flamengo. It’s a testament to his leadership qualities within the team. “
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Erick Pulgar
Q: Who is Erick Pulgar?
A: Erick Pulgar is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Flamengo in the Brazilian serie A. He’s known for his tactical awareness, passing ability, and defensive contributions on the field.
Q: What clubs has Erick Pulgar played for?
A: Before Flamengo, Pulgar played for Universidad Católica (Chile), Bologna (Italy), Fiorentina (Italy), and Galatasaray (Turkey).
Q: Why is Andrey Santos praising Erick Pulgar?
A: Andrey Santos, a Chelsea midfielder currently on loan, has praised Pulgar for his intelligence, tactical understanding, and ability to control the game, drawing parallels to the style of veteran player Filipe Luis. This demonstrates mutual respect and underscores Pulgar’s quality.
Q: What are Pulgar’s strengths as a player?
A: His strengths include his strong tackling, accurate passing, ability to win aerial duels, and excellent positional play. He is a midfield general providing a solid base for his team.
Q: Why was Pulgar excluded from the Chilean National Team recently?
A: He was surprisingly left out of Ricardo Gareca’s squad for the World Cup qualifying matches. The reasons behind the decision are currently unknown; the absence has sparked debate among Chilean fans and pundits.
Q: Could Erick Pulgar move to a European club?
A: While Pulgar is 31, a move to European football is unlikely, given his age.If moving, Major League Soccer (MLS) or Liga MX could also be viable options.
Q: What is the Carioca Championship?
A: The Carioca Championship (Campeonato Carioca) is the state championship held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Flamengo won the title in 2025 with Pulgar playing a key role.
