Grêmio Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12- G. Grando
14- M. Rocha
13- F. Balbuena
4- W. Kannemann
23- Marlon
15- F. Ibarra*
17- Dodi
10- M. Monsalve
37- Giovanni*
99- C. Oliveira
22- M. Braithwaite

Grêmio looks to play a vertical game through quick transitions and a heavy high press using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep in a compact block before launching direct attacks. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and exploit spaces behind the defense.

G. Grando stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates with a three man core featuring F. Ibarra, W. Kannemann, and F. Balbuena. Kannemann is the captain and uses his aerial strength to clear danger. The wide defenders, M. Rocha and Marlon, act as wing backs to provide width. M. Rocha pushes up to overlap in the final third, while Marlon tracks back to cover the flanks. These five players work together to maintain a tight block and prevent through balls.

The midfield consists of a two man central unit with Dodi and M. Monsalve. Dodi acts as the primary shield to intercept passes and protect the back three. M. Monsalve works to connect the lines by moving the ball from deep positions into the attacking third. They must cover a lot of ground to prevent the opposition from playing through the middle. This pair holds the center of the pitch and ensures the team stays compact when they lose possession.

In the attacking phase, Grêmio employs three forwards to press high and threaten the goal. M. Braithwaite plays as the lone striker to hold up the ball and bring others into play. On the wings, C. Oliveira and Giovanni provide width and cut inside to create chances. Giovanni, the captain, uses his movement to find pockets of space. The forwards press the opposition defenders to force mistakes and quick turnovers near the box.

One major strength of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when M. Rocha and Marlon push forward. Another advantage is the defensive compactness provided by the five defenders and two midfielders, which makes it difficult for opponents to break the lines. The team can also transition very quickly from a low block to a direct attack. This allows Grêmio to punish teams that leave space behind their full backs.

This 5-2-3 formation relies on defensive solidity and rapid verticality. It is a system best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and require a disciplined low block to frustrate them.