**Gabriel Barbosa's Playing Time at Flamengo: A Journey of Success and Failure**
Gabriel Barbosa, a Brazilian professional footballer, has had a rollercoaster career with the São Paulo club Flamengo. His time at Flamengo spanned from 2017 to 2020, during which he made significant contributions to the team but also faced numerous challenges.
**Early Career Beginnings**
Barbosa began his career in Brazil's top division with Corinthians in 2014, where he quickly rose through the ranks. After two years with Corinthians, he moved to Flamengo in 2017, joining the club as a free agent. The move was seen as a chance for Barbosa to showcase his talent on the continent and potentially earn a spot in the national team.
**Initial Success**
At Flamengo, Barbosa quickly established himself as a key player. He played primarily as a central defender, contributing significantly to the team's defensive structure. His presence helped Flamengo maintain a solid defensive line throughout the season, which was crucial given the competition in the Brazilian Serie A.
However, despite his early success, Barbosa struggled to find consistent form and regular starting roles. His inconsistency often led to criticism from both fans and teammates, who felt that he wasn't living up to expectations.
**Seasonal Performance**
In the 2018-2019 season,Primeira Liga Hotspots Barbosa's performance improved slightly. He started more games and contributed to Flamengo's defense more consistently. However, his lack of goals and assist numbers continued to be a point of concern for the coaching staff.
The following year, in 2019-2020, Barbosa's situation became even more challenging. He missed several matches due to injuries and was eventually released by Flamengo. This decision was met with mixed reactions, some seeing it as a positive move to clear space for younger players and others criticizing the club's handling of the situation.
**Career Conclusion**
After leaving Flamengo, Barbosa signed with Italian club AC Milan in 2020. There, he experienced further struggles, playing in various positions and struggling to establish himself as a consistent performer. His time at Milan ultimately came to an end in 2022 when he returned to Flamengo, this time as a coach rather than a player.
**Conclusion**
Gabriel Barbosa's time at Flamengo represents a journey filled with both successes and failures. While he demonstrated potential as a defensive midfielder and made significant contributions to the team, his inconsistency and inconsistent form often left him underperforming. The club's handling of his release after the 2019-2020 season added to his frustration and led to his subsequent move to Milan. Despite these setbacks, Barbosa remains a respected figure in Brazilian football and continues to make contributions to the sport, both as a player and a coach.