Grêmio teenager Luis Eduardo debuts in Brasileirão and Copa Sudamericana in the same week | OneFootball

Grêmio’s 18-year-old centre-back Luis Eduardo has made his first-team bows in both the Brasileirão and Copa Sudamericana in the same week. According to Globo.com, he is expected to remain in the squad for Santos at the Arena on Saturday at 19:00.

He was handed his chance in Sunday’s draw with Bahia, with Balbuena and Kannemann among the substitutes. In Wednesday’s win over Palestino, Wagner Leonardo was the back-up, and Luis Eduardo later made way for Kannemann in the second half.

Against Bahia he made three interceptions and four recoveries in his own half, won two of four duels and completed 29 of 31 passes, a 94% accuracy, including nine of 11 forward passes.

Versus Palestino he again recorded three interceptions and six recoveries, two in the opposition half. He won all his aerials, prevailed in eight of nine duels, committed no fouls and completed 36 of 40 passes for 90%.

He said the debuts left him very happy and that previous call-ups in last year’s league and this year’s trip for the Montevideo City match had helped him feel ready. He added he is learning and building maturity for games at this level.

The academy graduate has trained with the first team since last year and was fully promoted this year. He said he is working daily to show his potential, help Grêmio through its challenges and be prepared to seize opportunities. He also caught the eye at last year’s Copa São Paulo against Bragantino, reaching a top speed of 38 km/h.

Source: Globo.com