Pedro Henrique, Luiz Adriano and Wanderson are in the fight for a place in Inter’s attack
Coach Mano Menezes may have the lineup defined in his mind for the final stretch of the Campeonato Gaúcho, however, some positions seem to be still open, especially after the last round of the group stage of the State. And the main one is at the front. Wanderson, Pedro Henrique and Luiz Adriano fight for two places in the Colorado attack. From an improvised striker to the competition’s top scorer, with eight goals, PH seems to be in the lead for a place in the team. But Mano can surprise.
As he was suspended in the confrontation against Esportivo, PH did not play on Saturday. Luiz Adriano, who had already entered Grenal 438 for a few minutes and participated in Alan Patrick’s goal, made his debut at Beira-Rio and scored a goal in front of his family and fans. With the number 9 shirt on his back, the player formed at Celeiro de Ases has characteristics that please the coach more.
In training this Tuesday (14th), Mano tested PH alongside Luiz Adriano, removing Wanderson from the team. However, the departure of shirt number 11 should not be a coach’s choice for the duel with Caxias, Saturday, at 4:30 pm, at Centenário, for the first leg of the State semifinals. Wanderson is the waiter of the colorada season. With the assists for MaurÃcio and Luiz Adriano against Bento Gonçalves’ team, he reached six, although he scored only one goal in the year and is heavily charged for it.
As they say in football language, it’s a great problem that Mano has on his hands. Choose between three players, with different characteristics, living different moments, but with efficient deliveries.
A third option would be to pull someone out of midfield and field all three players. Could Wanderson come as a surprise from behind? Mano would be so bold and open the team? He tried unsuccessfully with German. Parts are different. Is there still time for testing? Or does the semifinal stage no longer allow the coach to take chances? These are some of the questions that Mano can answer at this Thursday’s press conference, on the eve of the match against Caxias.
The other doubts are in goal and midfield. Keiller, with a blow to his mouth and two broken teeth, has yet to have his future defined by the medical department. If he has conditions, he should resume ownership normally. Meanwhile, John waits.
In midfield, Matheus Dias, with great performances in the second half for Grenal and against Esportivo, fights for a spot. He could be Johnny’s new partner, with Baralhas out of the team.
