Grêmio Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Fábio · Wesley · F. Bruno · JP Tchoca · A. Telles · Otávio · Tchê Tchê · Oscar · Rollheiser · Paulinho · Wesley

Grêmio aims to control the tempo of the game through a heavy possession based identity. This 4-3-3 formation is built to dominate the ball and pin opponents into their own half. By maintaining a high line and keeping players close together, Grêmio looks to use the ball to move the opposition out of position.

Fábio sits between the posts to command the area and organize the defensive line. The back four works as a cohesive unit, featuring Wesley as the right back and A. Telles at left back. Wesley provides width by pushing up the flank, while A. Telles can move inward to help control the middle. In the center, F. Bruno and JP Tchoca form a central pair that must stay compact. F. Bruno acts as the more physical presence, while JP Tchoca focuses on covering the space behind the high line and playing out from the back.

The midfield works through a three man midfield with a carrier and creative operators. Tchê Tchê acts as the engine to press in a mid-block and win the second ball, while Otávio works to drive forward with the ball and connect the lines. Oscar plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, operating in the pockets of space to create chances. This group must squeeze the space between the lines to ensure the team stays compact when the ball is lost. Oscar looks to play through the lines to find the forwards.

Grêmio utilizes three attackers across the front to stretch the defence. Paulinho acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and wait for support. Rollheiser operates on the right wing, looking to cut inside and find space in the box. Wesley occupies the left wing, using his pace to pull wide and stretch the opposition. The attack relies on combinations to break the line, often using the movement of Rollheiser and Wesley to create space for Paulinho to arrive late into the box or find space in central areas.

This lineup offers significant advantages through wide overloads when Wesley and A. Telles push high. The team can also achieve numerical superiority in midfield because Oscar can drop deeper to assist the three man midfield. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press immediately upon losing possession.

The 4-3-3 formation for Grêmio is designed for teams that want to dictate play through ball retention. It is best suited for matches against opponents that sit deep and defend in a low block.