Valdivia: the masterpiece of Jeonam Dragons

Valdivia represents the survival of the traditional number 10. Credit: Gymnews

Valdivia has turned the K League 2 division into his own personal highlight reel. Since arriving in South Korea, the Brazilian has become the technical masterpiece of Jeonam Dragons, producing numbers that demand attention: 42 goals and 30 assists in just 106 appearances. But beyond the raw data, Valdivia represents the survival of the traditional number 10. In a modern era that prioritizes work rate and defensive tracking, he remains a player who thrives on the ball, demanding possession to dictate the rhythm of the game.

His ability to find space in congested areas is no accident. It is a skill set forged at Internacional, one of Brazil’s most historic and popular institutions. Making 144 appearances for the Colorado, he learned how to handle the immense pressure of the Porto Alegre faithful, a fanbase that demands both grit and beauty.

That period in Brazil was his true masterclass. At Internacional, he wasn't just another player. Valdivia was a creative spark in a team that consistently fights at the top of South American football. Those years gave him the tactical maturity and the "thick skin" required to lead a project thousands of miles away from home. His "Brazilian imprint" is visible in every touch. It isn’t just about flashy step-overs; it is about the agility and the low center of gravity that allow him to spin away from markers in the midfield.

Best 11. K-League 2 edition 2025- Credit: Jeoman Dragons on Facebook

In the current K League landscape, he has solidified his status as the premier playmaker standing at the top of the assist leaderboards, acting as the primary supply line for a Jeonam side that relies almost entirely on his vision to create high-quality chances.

Speed is another weapon in his arsenal, but it is his mental speed that truly creates the advantage. He identifies passing lanes before they fully open, often delivering weighted passes that bypass entire defensive blocks in a single motion, reminiscent of his best nights at the Beira-Rio.

The transition to South Korea isn't always easy for South Americans, yet Valdivia has adapted to the physicality of the league without sacrificing his identity. He has embraced the rugged nature of the K League 2, showing a willingness to fight for the ball as much as he likes to create with it.

His presence in Gwangyang has become a symbol of hope for the Jeonam Dragons faithful. The club, which has a rich history in Korean football, has found in Valdivia the outstanding figure needed to lead their charge back toward the elite K-League 1.

The legacy he is building is defined by this pursuit of promotion. While many players of his caliber might see the second division as a step down, Valdivia has treated it as a mission. Valdivia isn't just a marquee name—he is the tactical foundation of their top-flight ambitions.