Luís Castro tests options to rebuild Grêmio midfield for second half | OneFootball

Luís Castro is trialling options to rebuild Grêmio's midfield after poor results before the World Cup pause and Arthur's loan ending, according to Globo.com, aiming to boost creativity and identify the former captain's successor.

Willian was used on the left with Gabriel Mec but did not convince, withdrawn at half-time at 1-1 against Cascavel, then five minutes after the restart versus Chapecoense at 2-0 down. The changes were pre-planned to share minutes, yet the team's reaction came after the break, with a comeback against Cascavel and a consolation versus Chapecoense.

Willian's place is in doubt. Amuzu could return, while Braithwaite may drop into midfield behind Carlos Vinicius with Gabriel Mec wide. Monsalve has slipped down the order, has interest from Estudiantes in Argentina and could move, and a starting recall looks unlikely.

Grêmio are in talks over a sale of Mec, and the board are targeting a creator, a right back and a left-sided centre-back.

Willian's deal runs to the end of the year and he is not expected to renew, given form and wage policy. Juan Nardoni has been backed, starting both friendlies in Arthur's old role, and Castro plans for No 5 to partner Leo Pérez, a pre-break starter.

Villasanti returned, making his first appearance since a serious knee injury in August last year. Grêmio face Cruzeiro at Mané Garrincha in Brasília on Sunday at 17:00, then resume on Friday at 20:00 against Mirassol at the Maião in round 19 of the Brasileirão.

Source: Globo.com