From defence to versatility, five reasons for Santos' Brasileirão revival | OneFootball

Santos have reshaped their Brasileirão campaign, piecing together a strong run that has eased relegation fears and opened up fresh targets. After beating Internacional they sit on 32 points, seven clear of Vasco who occupy the first relegation spot, and level with Corinthians in the final Copa Sul-Americana berth.

They are 11 behind fifth-placed Bahia, a position that carries a pre-Libertadores place, and have a game in hand to trim that gap. Globo.com notes the revival is underpinned by a returno points haul at 61 percent.

In the first turno they failed to win on the road, drawing four and losing five. In the returno they have three away wins and a perfect record away from Vila Belmiro.

Conceded more than 1.5 per game in the first half, now roughly one. Even when rivals see more of the ball, clear chances have been scarce.

Cuca used the World Cup break to bed in ideas, and after a slow adjustment the past month has been better. They switch between 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, and in defence can form a back five with four in midfield, leaving one up to counter.

Versatility has helped. Willian Arão can also play centre-back, Gabriel Menino is at right-back but can move into midfield, and Arthur is viewed as a wildcard who can act as a number 10 during Neymar’s absence.

Against direct rivals they beat Corinthians, Internacional and Vasco, drew Mirassol and Chapecoense, and only lost to third-placed Athletico-PR, reversing first turno stumbles.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”