Athletico and Vasco have most Colombians in Brasileirão, with contrasting roles | OneFootball

Athletico and Vasco lead the Brasileirão for Colombian players, yet their roles at the two clubs are sharply contrasted.

According to Globo.com, Athletico have six Colombians, centre-backs Carlos Terán and Felipe Aguirre, midfielders Juan Portilla and Alejandro García, and forwards Steven Mendoza and Kevin Viveros, with four currently starting under Odair Hellmann.

Vasco have four, centre-back Carlos Cuesta, midfielder Johan Rojas and forwards Marino Hinestroza and Andrés Gómez, and only Gómez is a regular under Renato Gaúcho. Hinestroza, a R$ 30 million signing, has yet to find form.

Viveros has been Athletico’s standout. The No 9 is joint top scorer in the league with eight, level with Flamengo’s Pedro, but he will miss the game through suspension after receiving his third yellow card.

For Vasco, Gómez has impressed, producing three goals and four assists this season.

The managers’ views also differ. Asked about Hinestroza, Renato Gaúcho drew criticism by arguing that his Colombian players make many mistakes, adding that he emphasises composure in the box and believes improvements require time.

Hellmann has been largely complimentary, seeing the number of Colombians as coincidental and viewing a move to Brazil as an opportunity for them.

The sides meet at 20:30 at São Januário in the 15th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Globo.com