Juan Bezerra: The Brazilian Spark Struggling to Spark Up Zamalek

Bezerra’s Bright Start in a Bumpy Season

Juan Bezerra, a Brazilian winger, arrived with fans pinning hopes on his individual skills and his ability to finish plays for Zamalek, hoping he would lift the White Knights’ attacking efficiency.

Yet in several matches, Zamalek has struggled to capitalize on his talent, as his form has gradually declined for a blend of reasons that go beyond a single coach’s instructions.

Bezerra’s team drew 1-1 with Ghazl El Mahalla at the Ismailia Canal Stadium, a result that reflected the team’s ongoing struggles to convert chances in the Egyptian Premier League’s tenth round.

Zamalek’s points tally rose to 18, placing them second, narrowly behind the league leaders, Al Masry of Port Said, on goal difference.

A talented player in need of the right environment

Recent fixtures suggest Bezerra has not been deployed in a manner that brings out his best, and his crisis appears to be rooted not only in tactical instructions but also in the internal dynamics of the squad and a lack of support and cooperation from teammates.

One of the main axes of his current crisis is the misallocation of his talents—an evident technical issue reflected in the staff’s difficulties placing him in the right position or selecting the most suitable playing style for him.

In recent games, Bezerra has been isolated from dangerous zones, as the team often sits deeper and presses the opponents—conditions that minimize his potential impact.

Bezerra relies on quick, short passes and bursts from depth or from the wings, but the current system frequently disconnects him from midfield, forcing him to receive the ball far from the box or in one-on-one situations that reduce his danger to the defense.

There is also a visible lack of cooperation between Zamalek players and Bezerra, with some suggesting jealousy among teammates due to the spotlight that shone on him early in the league this season.

Among the critics is Hazem Imam, the club’s former star, who warned of a clear disregard for the Brazilian in several promising attacks.

In more than one sequence, Bezerra appears in better positions to shoot or to run behind defenders, yet teammates prefer to pass elsewhere or even strike unusual shots, wasting opportunities that could have been converted if the Brazilian had been fed the ball.

Bezerra himself hinted at this after the Cairo derby against Al Ahly, noting that the team advanced with a lead only to concede twice in the second half and lose 2-1, signaling a broader problem beyond a single game.

He did not receive many assists in that match, looked subdued, and was largely forced to drop back as Zamalek defended deeper.

In a post-match Instagram message, Bezerra wrote: “Individual performance only succeeds when the team performance does too. We must all play together: fans, players, and the staff. Defeat hurts, but it’s the moment to show who truly wears the shirt.”

Many interpreted that message as a critique of the individualism that some teammates displayed during promising attacking moves, rather than a targeted complaint.

Beyond his form, there is a debate about Ferreira’s philosophy, including a perceived “low-stakes” approach to bookings and whether Bezerra is being used effectively within that framework.

Bezerra is left-footed and can operate on either wing or as an playmaker, capable of creating chances from both inside and outside the box.

If Zamalek hopes to maximize the Brazilian’s talent, the coaching staff must address the internal psychological barriers, or Bezerra risks continuing to regress despite his evident potential.

Ultimately, Bezerra’s ability to unlock his game will depend on better integration with teammates and a tactical setup that leverages his movement and finishing skills rather than isolating him from the build-up.

Bezerra is left-footed and can operate on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, but his best form requires a system that places him close to goal and feeds him timely, precise service.

If Zamalek is serious about extracting the Brazilian’s best, the technical staff must address the team dynamics and optimize his position and movement in attack; otherwise, Bezerra’s talent may fade in a season that promised so much.

A Fragile Fit in a Shaky Team

The debate around Zamalek’s tactics and match-to-match approach continues to divide observers. The club’s attempt to balance a disciplined defensive approach with a more expansive offensive plan has often left Bezerra isolated and waiting for service that rarely arrives in the danger zone.

With the derby showing the team’s fragility under pressure, questions remain about whether the current system is compatible with Bezerra’s skill set or whether his inclusion requires a broader reshaping of how the Whites press and transition.

Bezerra’s potential remains undeniable, and his ability to find space between lines could unlock a rich vein of attacking opportunities—if only his teammates and coaches can synchronize their pace and vision.

Until then, the Brazilian winger’s journey at Zamalek will be watched with two sets of eyes: those hoping for a burst of creativity, and those bracing for a quieter, more cautious reality.

Punchlines to close on a lighter note: Bezerra’s goal drought? We’ll just say he’s currently training to star in a sequel titled “The Ball That Refused to Be Passed.” And if patience is a virtue, the coach is clearly earning his PhD in “how to teach a bicycle kick to a turtle.”