Grêmio Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Grêmio aims to play a direct and high pressing game using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on controlling wide areas while maintaining a compact unit when the ball is lost. The team looks to win it back high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position.

MAZARÓPI guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back line operates as a back three with CHINA acting as the central defender to hold the line. BAIDEK plays as the right centre-back to provide cover, while DE LEÓN occupies the left centre-back position. P. ROBERTO and CASEMIRO act as attacking wing backs to provide width. P. ROBERTO pushes high to overlap the winger, while CASEMIRO covers the flank and tracks back to support the defense. This defensive unit can shift from a back five to a back three depending on the position of the ball.

The midfield operates as a double pivot designed to control the center of the pitch. TITA and OSVALDO work together to manage the transition from defense to attack. TITA drives forward with the ball to carry it into the final third, while OSVALDO focuses on winning the second ball and shielding the back three. These two connect the defensive unit to the front line by recycling possession and playing through the lines. They must stay close together to prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

Grêmio utilizes three attackers to stretch the opposition defense. CAIO operates as a lone striker who tries to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. TARCISIO and RENATO play as wide wingers who stay high to pin the last defender. TARCISIO often cuts inside to create space for CASEMIRO, while RENATO looks to get to the byline to deliver crosses. The attackers press the opposition back line to force a long ball and allow the midfield to regain control.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for Grêmio. The wing backs of P. ROBERTO and CASEMIRO create wide overloads that force the opposition to pull defenders out of position. The presence of three central defenders provides compactness when defending in a mid-block. Additionally, the team can exploit the space behind the opposition full backs through quick transitions.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a high intensity style that relies on wide attacking play. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line or leave space behind their wingers.