Coming on in the second half versus Chile, substituting Ronaldinho, after Kleber was sent off, was an experience that Juan had long awaited, dreaming of representing the Seleção Brasileira.
"Perhaps not exactly under those circumstances," the winger admitted, acknowledging that nerves and anxiety quickly took hold of him. However, after adjusting to the situation, he was able to calm down and improve his performance.
Juan feels prepared for the meeting with Bolivia this Wednesday, ready to contribute the level of football that persuaded Dunga to call him up for the first time.
He guarantees that he will explore his best quality—attacking support—while not neglecting to defend.
"On the Seleção, I will be obliged to mark more, but Dunga has said that I may advance, at the right moment and decisively attack."
Juan's confidence against Bolívia comes from all the support he's been getting from teammates.
"I don`t even have words to describe how well I was received. The ambience is incredible, everyone here is spurring me on."
Asked about what he would like to be called if ever called to play together with fullback Juan, he said:
"It's funny cause there's never been a case like this before in Brazil, with this name, but I think I'd like to go with my surname—Juan Maldonado."
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