PROFILE | Monaco’s Vanderson solid but not shining | OneFootball

Perpetually linked with a move away, it is a wonder how Vanderson is still a Monaco player. The Brazilian is frequently cited as a transfer target for Barcelona, as well as a whole host of Premier League sides. Statistically, he ranks well in many metrics, including progressive passes and tackles. He is combative, he is marauding, but as a jack of all trades, he is a master of none. 

Vanderson excelled in his opening months at Monaco, following his move back in January 2022. His first six months in particular, under Philippe Clement, were excellent, but the months and now years that have followed have been more mixed. He is a player who has very high expectations of himself, and that didn’t always manifest itself positively, Clement previously revealed. 

He has worked on that, but it is progress in other sectors that has been slow. He is a strong defensive full-back, albeit one susceptible to a rush of blood to the head, and going forward, his output has been limited, even if he did finish last season with five assists to his name (from 41 appearances). His final ball had been identified as an aspect of his game to build on, and even if progress has been slow, there has at least been progress.

Vanderson retains Brazil status

But it is his fitness that is currently stunting his progress. The Brazil international struggled with hip issues towards the end of last season, and those persist. “We have to be careful,” said now-former Monaco manager Adi Hutter in reference to the ongoing problem. The issue has limited his game time this season, as has a hamstring injury. Subsequently, he has played just 12 matches all season, only nine of which have come as starts. At just 24, he has accumulated quite the injury record (34 matches missed through injury, to date).

His continued call-ups to the Brazil national team, as well as the trust placed in him by successive Monaco managers, show that there is talent there, and his versatility (able to play in a back four, or as a wing-back or centre-back in a back three) means that he will play a prominent role, fitness permitting. But “fitness permitting” remains the caveat, because often it has not permitted, and this is what has to change if Vanderson is to make the step up.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle