Luís Castro marks first month at Grêmio with midfield experiment

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·2 February 2026

Luís Castro marks first month at Grêmio with midfield experiment

This Monday (02/02), the Portuguese coach Luís Castro completes 30 days of work at the helm of Grêmio.

The period was marked by intense tests, especially in the midfield, where the coach sought to find the ideal partners for the midfielder Arthur, the only piece considered untouchable so far.

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The website ge then conducted an analysis of the Portuguese coach's first month in charge of the Tricolor.

Check it out below!

Balance

In total, eight players were observed for two open spots in the sector. According to the coach, after seven matches, the ideal formation is already outlined in his mind, although he has not publicly revealed the names.

Who rose in esteem:Monsalve: Returned from injury with a great goal and made a case for a starting spot.Noriega: Originally a defender, was tested as a defensive midfielder and received praise for the balance he brought to the team.Edenilson: Well-regarded for his tactical versatility.
Monsalve: Returned from injury with a great goal and made a case for a starting spot.
Noriega: Originally a defender, was tested as a defensive midfielder and received praise for the balance he brought to the team.
Edenilson: Well-regarded for his tactical versatility.
Who lost space:Cristaldo: Substituted at halftime in the Gre-Nal, did not leave the bench in the last two games.Cuéllar: Currently the last option among the midfielders, even not being listed for classics.Tiaguinho: The 17-year-old lost his starting position after being taken off at halftime in important games.
Cristaldo: Substituted at halftime in the Gre-Nal, did not leave the bench in the last two games.
Cuéllar: Currently the last option among the midfielders, even not being listed for classics.
Tiaguinho: The 17-year-old lost his starting position after being taken off at halftime in important games.

'Arthur's Case'

Despite being the team's pillar, Arthur is experiencing a moment of contrast: he was sent off after only seven minutes on the field in the draw against Juventude. He will miss Grêmio's quarter-final match of the Gauchão against Novo Hamburgo, but is available for this Wednesday's clash against Botafogo in the Brasileirão.

"We play with a number 10, leaving the defensive moment to just two players... I think it's very little. There is a clear idea, an evaluation... A team is a set of partnerships," explained Luís Castro about the need for greater defensive balance.