Roger shines as Luís Castro’s Grêmio thrash Avenida in Gauchão opener | OneFootball

Grêmio began the Campeonato Gaúcho with a heavy win over Avenida and 17-year-old Roger stood out on his professional debut at Estádio dos Eucaliptos. According to Globo.com, the forward has been promoted to Luís Castro’s senior squad this season.

Operating on either flank, he shaped the first three goals, releasing Tiaguinho to set up Amuzu, cushioning a cross for Wagner Leonardo, then finishing from Cristaldo’s pass for his first senior strike.

Castro said Roger initially came too narrow, blocking the space they wanted for Cristaldo, but they corrected it. He noted youngsters can be protected by withdrawal, yet felt no need here and praised the teenager’s composure and the squad’s training rigour.

Roger Dias Fernandes is from Santa Maria and started at a Clube do Comércio school in São Jerônimo. He joined Grêmio at under-11 after a Cristal neighbourhood trial, first commuting daily before lodging at CT Hélio Dourado at 14.

He won the 2021 Gauchão Sub-13, then the Sulbrasileiro BG Prime under-15, the Efipam and the Gauchão Sub-17. With contemporary Gabriel Mec, he also lifted the Copa Umbro and Copa Voltaço, Brazil’s largest under-14 tournament.

Called by Brazil at under-15, he later missed the under-17 World Cup, when Luis Eduardo, Tiaguinho and Mec were selected. In July 2024 he signed his first professional deal at 16, with a €40 million foreign clause, R$ 237 million at the time. He did not travel for the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, staying with the first team.

Source: Globo.com