Grêmio Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- Tiago Volpi
18- João Pedro
44- Ruan T.*
3- W. Leonardo
25- L. Esteves
5- Walace*
8- Arthur Melo*
20- M. Villsanti
22- M. Braitwaite
9- F. Amazu
99- C. Oliveira

Grêmio prefers to play with a heavy high press and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the opposition. The intent is to dominate the attacking third and use quick vertical movements to punish teams that fail to track runners.

Tiago Volpi starts between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line functions as a back five, featuring three central defenders in Walace, Ruan T., and W. Leonardo. Walace acts as the central anchor while Ruan T. and W. Leonardo provide cover and contest headers. The wide defenders, João Pedro on the right and L. Esteves on the left, act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width. This setup allows the team to defend zonally while ensuring the wide areas are occupied during the build up.

The midfield operates with a double pivot consisting of M. Villsanti and Arthur Melo. Arthur Melo uses his passing range to control the tempo and connect the defense to the attack. M. Villsanti works to protect the center and win the second ball when possession is lost. Together, they seek to compress the midfield and prevent opponents from playing through the lines. They must be ready to drop back to support the back five or step up to trigger a press when the ball enters their zone.

Grêmio attacks with three forwards led by the striker M. Braitwaite. M. Braitwaite acts as a physical presence to hold up the ball and bring others into play. F. Amazu and C. Oliveira operate as wide attackers who cut inside to create central overloads. These wingers look to isolate defenders one on one or find space to deliver crosses. The attacking unit focuses on quick combinations and runs in behind to exploit gaps in the opposition defensive line.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through wide overloads created by the wing backs and wingers. The team can also achieve compactness when defending in a mid-block, making it difficult for opponents to find passing lanes. Grêmio uses the speed of transition to move from a defensive block to a full attacking force in seconds.

The 5-2-3 formation provides Grêmio with a solid foundation for both defensive stability and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line or struggle to defend wide areas during transitions.