Academy youngster is Grêmio's most-used substitute, see ranking

Academy youngster is Grêmio's most-used substitute, see ranking Midfielder Gabriel Mec has established himself as Grêmio’s “12th player” this season. Without a guaranteed spot in the undisputed starting lineup, the 18-year-old was the player most frequently used by coach Luís Castro off the bench over the 37 matches played before the break for the World Cup. The ge website detailed the rise of the Tricolor gem and put together a ranking of the most-used substitutes. Check it out below! Alternating between starting as the “number 10” in some matches and coming off the bench in others, Mec has played in 28 games for Tricolor this year. With three goals and two assists to his name, his strong performances are already drawing attention from the international market, and the youngster could receive formal offers in the current transfer window (the club is already moving forward with the renewal of his contract). Coach Luís Castro trusts the young talent’s development process. After a win over Deportivo Riestra in May in the Copa Sudamericana, the Portuguese manager explained how he manages his minutes: "I like my players to play well; that’s what we prepare them for, and that’s what we prepare Mec for. That’s why we put them in when we think it’s the best time." Changes focused on the attacking sector The substitutions made by the coaching staff in the first half of the season make it clear that the focus is on refreshing the attack in the second half of matches. Of the five players who have come off the bench most often this season, four are attacking options. Right behind Mec is Colombian player Enamorado, with 14 appearances off the bench. He is in direct competition for a spot with Tetê, who came on 11 times. Midfielder Willian (37), who dealt with chronic injuries during the first half of the season, is third on the list, having come off the bench 12 times. Rounding out the top five, Danish forward Braithwaite (11 times) is still fighting to regain rhythm and a starting spot after returning in March from a serious Achilles tendon injury suffered last year. The full ranking (substitute appearances in 2026): Gabriel Mec: 15 Enamorado: 14 Willian: 12 Tetê and Braithwaite: 11 André Henrique: 10 Dodi: 9 Amuzu: 8 Caio Paulista, Riquelme and Arthur: 6 This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.