Luís Castro edges towards ideal Grêmio defence as experience does not guarantee places | OneFootball

Luís Castro is edging towards his ideal Grêmio defence after their first clean sheet in five matches. The real test comes on Sunday at 18:00 in the Campeonato Gaúcho final second leg, with Inter chasing a 3-0 deficit.

According to Globo.com, the shutout ended a four-game run of concessions and the back line, plus Noriega’s screen, pleased the Portuguese. He underlined that the two centre-backs and holding midfielder must function as a unit, and that training data, not seniority, will decide places.

Academy duo Gustavo Martins and Viery have impressed as the pairing, relegating Balbuena, Wagner Leonardo and Kannemann to the bench in the last two games. The Paraguayan missed Gre-Nal 450 with muscle discomfort after being a substitute against Atlético-MG.

Pavon delivered again as a makeshift right-back, though Castro said he still needs time to reset his winger habits and cut out small errors. He is also content with Marcos Rocha, while João Pedro is currently injured.

The unit is shaping up as Weverton, Pavon, Gustavo Martins, Viery and Marlon, with Noriega in front. Rotation could follow in heavy weeks, but with a free build-up the next Gre-Nal is unlikely to bring changes.

Castro credited the defensive uptick to collective work, noting stronger pressure upfield aids the back line and that Weverton, defenders, midfielders and attackers are progressing. Inter need three to force penalties or four to win outright, otherwise the trophy will be settled at Beira-Rio inside 90 minutes.

Source: Globo.com