How Gabriel Bontempo earned his place and became key for Vojvoda’s Santos | OneFootball

Gabriel Bontempo has forced his way into Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s Santos, starting four of the last five matches and driving attacks that led to goals. According to Globo.com, his influence has grown after a slow start under the new coach.

A recent academy standout, he was a starter for Pedro Caixinha last season, then used more sparingly during Cleber Xavier’s stint. After Vojvoda arrived, chances were limited and he often stayed on the bench. Surgery to correct a deviated septum ruled him out of the first five rounds of the Campeonato Paulista this year.

Once available, he collected minutes against Chapecoense and São Paulo in the Brasileirão, then earned a starting place from the Noroeste tie in the Paulistão. In the 2-1 win that eased relegation fears and kept Santos alive, he started the move for Rony’s opener.

He stayed in the side for the defeat to Athletico-PR in the league, a game affected by the poor pitch at Arena da Baixada. He then impressed in the rout of Velo Clube, assisting Thaciano as Santos secured a quarter-final berth.

He lost his spot to Gabriel Menino against Novorizontino in the state competition, but came on at half-time to equalise. A last-minute goal then confirmed Santos’s elimination.

In last Thursday’s Brasileirão win over Vasco, he again stood out, initiating the move for Neymar’s first goal and creating further danger. Bontempo looks likely to start against Mirassol in round five on 10 March at 21:30 at Maião.

Source: Globo.com