Vojvoda’s defensive options for Santos v Palmeiras without Luan Peres | OneFootball

Santos will have a major absence for the important derby against Palmeiras, scheduled for 9:30 PM (Brasília time) this Thursday at Allianz Parque. Defender Luan Peres received his third yellow card against Fortaleza and will have to serve a suspension.

Luan Peres has been the main defensive pillar for Santos and has established himself as one of the team's key players under the command of Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. The defender started in nine out of ten matches with the new coach.

Without the number 14, Vojvoda still has a wide range of options. The available players, however, are experiencing different moments at the club. Peixe currently has five center-backs: Adonis Frías, Alexis Duarte, João Basso, Luisão, and Zé Ivaldo.

Of these, Adonis Frías had been starting alongside Luan Peres. The Argentine has earned Vojvoda's trust and has held the position since the coach's arrival. Alexis Duarte, on the other hand, has received some occasional opportunities.

Against Ceará, for example, Vojvoda decided to rest Luan Peres and chose Alexis Duarte as his immediate replacement. However, the center-back pairing did not perform well. Peixe appeared disorganized and conceded three goals to the Ceará team while playing away from home.

The other three available center-backs have lost ground under Vojvoda. João Basso hasn't played in three months, while Luisão hasn't been included in the squad since August of this year. Zé Ivaldo was even used by the coach, but was sent off against Atlético-MG and hasn't had another chance since then.

Three center-backs as an option

Even without Luan Peres, Santos has five players for the position in the squad. Thus, Vojvoda could also opt for a tactical change and bring back the three center-back line, with different players in the setup.

Vojvoda tested the three center-back system only once this season: in the 2-2 draw against Botafogo at Nilton Santos Stadium, for the Brazilian Championship. Luan Peres, Adonis Frías, and Alexis Duarte formed the defensive line. However, the defense showed some flaws—so much so that Vojvoda changed the strategy in the second half.

Another option that Vojvoda could test would be improvising Willian Arão as a center-back in a back three. The midfielder has good passing ability and could improve Santos' ball distribution from the back. This would be a bold move by the coach, especially in a derby against a rival.

For Arão, however, playing as a center-back would not be unprecedented in his career. The player was already used in this position when he was still at Flamengo, in 2021, under Rogério Ceni.

Santos' position in the standings

With the point earned against Fortaleza, Santos is in 16th place, with 33 points. Peixe could have opened up a four-point lead over the relegation zone, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity. Now, the team from Santos is just two points ahead of Vitória, who are the first team in the relegation zone.

Upcoming Santos matches

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.