Puma Rodríguez back at right-back as Pedro Emanuel starts at Vasco | OneFootball

Pedro Emanuel has reignited Vasco's right-back debate, and his early answer is Puma Rodríguez. The Uruguayan, joint top scorer this year, started against Vitória and should start again in the Copa Sudamericana.

According to Globo.com, no one has scored more for Vasco this season than Rodríguez, who has five, level with Thiago Mendes and Spinelli. He stands out as a defender producing end product while the attack has misfired.

Rodríguez and Paulo Henrique have traded the role since 2023 under Mauricio Barbieri, Ramón Díaz, Rafael Paiva, Fábio Carille, Fernando Diniz and Renato Gaúcho. At times they played together, Rodríguez filling in at left-back or even in attack.

This season neither has fully nailed the shirt. Rodríguez has started 20 games to Paulo Henrique's 15, but the Uruguayan’s attacking output is superior.

Rodríguez has nine goal involvements in 26 matches, five goals and four assists. Paulo Henrique, stronger defensively, has yet to score and has supplied two assists.

Paulo Henrique's form has dipped sharply since late 2025, from being among the country's best in his position and a Seleção contender to mostly a reserve. Rodríguez was in good form before the World Cup break, yet Marcelo Bielsa left him out despite a full preparation period with Uruguay.

Emanuel aims to restore confidence in players whose levels have fluctuated since last season, something that could also benefit his full-backs. Vasco face Independiente Medellín in Colombia on Wednesday at 19:00 Brasília time in the playoff first leg of the Copa Sudamericana, with the return at São Januário next Wednesday.

Source: Globo.com