Luís Castro opens battle for Grêmio holding role as Leonel Pérez edges ahead | OneFootball

Luís Castro has opened competition for Grêmio’s holding midfield role between Erick Noriega and Leonel Pérez. According to Globo.com, Pérez is likely to keep his place after recent starts.

Pérez made his first start on 19 March against Vitória at the Arena, a 2-0 win, after which Castro said the pair were in a healthy fight for the role.

The Argentine kept his spot for the defeat to Vasco, his second start in a row, with Castro later explaining he stuck with him on performance and fitness grounds, and that Noriega’s minor issue was not decisive.

Noriega, who has been used mainly in midfield this year, started Peru’s 0-2 loss to Senegal in France on Saturday, the debut of his former Grêmio coach Mano Menezes. Peru face Honduras on Tuesday in Spain.

Noriega is unlikely to return in time for Thursday’s meeting with Palmeiras, so Pérez should start again. Castro has also left open the option of pairing them, as seen when Noriega replaced Nardoni against Vitória to partner Pérez for added protection with Monsalve ahead as the playmaker.

In 2026, Noriega has 14 appearances, 12 from the start, with nine in midfield and three at centre-back. He has been unused only against Vasco, Fluminense and Guarany de Bagé.

Source: Globo.com