Renato Gaúcho faces defensive dilemma as Saldivia and Cuesta struggle for Vasco | OneFootball

Renato Gaúcho is wrestling with his first-choice centre-back pairing at Vasco, with Saldivia and Cuesta both out of form alongside Robert Renan. According to Globo.com, neither has nailed down the role after a string of costly displays.

Cuesta began the season as first choice, while Saldivia, favoured by former coach Fernando Diniz who pushed for his signing, waited in the wings. After pain in his right knee, the Colombian ceded his spot to the Uruguayan, who then enjoyed a run early in Renato’s tenure.

Recent mistakes have put Saldivia’s place in doubt. In the defeat at Corinthians he allowed space for Matheus Bidu’s goal and, after that night at Neo Química Arena, he lost his Brasileirão starting berth. He also has three own goals this season.

Cuesta received his first chances under Renato in the Sul-Americana. With Saldivia struggling he returned to the league side but disappointed, particularly against Internacional, when Vasco lost 4-1. He misjudged the timing for the first goal scored by Carbonero and was sent off late.

He again left a poor impression against Olimpia on Wednesday. He did score, but he lost numerous aerial duels. The expectation is that Saldivia returns to the starting side against Bragantino on Sunday.

With the mid-year window approaching, the board’s priority is a centre-back signed to start immediately. Beyond the pair and Robert Renan, Lucas Freitas is also available.

Source: Globo.com