Bontempo earns Vojvoda’s trust and becomes internal option in Santos midfield | OneFootball

Gabriel Bontempo has forced his way into Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s Santos, emerging as an internal midfield option after a recent run of starts.

According to Diario Do Peixe, he waited for chances after Vojvoda arrived in September 2025 and did not start until recently, while Santos explored holding-midfield signings.

Last season he started under Pedro Caixinha, then lost ground with Cleber Xavier but still featured. When Vojvoda came in he was often unused. A deviated septum operation early this year kept him out of the opening Paulista rounds.

On return he sharpened physically and earned minutes. He faced Chapecoense and São Paulo in the Brasileiro, then from the Noroeste tie he started in almost every game.

Against Noroeste, in a decisive game, he launched the move for Rony’s goal in a 2-1 win. He kept his place against Athletico-PR despite a difficult pitch.

He assisted Thaciano in the rout of Velo Clube. Versus Novorizontino he came on at half-time and scored, though elimination was sealed late.

In the Brasileiro win over Vasco da Gama he was involved in the build-up to Neymar’s first goal. With four starts in the last five matches he has firmed up as an internal solution, while Santos wanted two recruits for the role but signed only the Uruguayan Christian Oliva. The trend is that he remains in the starting side.

Source: Diario Do Peixe