PROFILE | A special year for Brazil international Vanderson but best yet to come

Vanderson’s opening months at Monaco were spectacular. The former Gremio full-back adapted seamlessly to life in Ligue 1 and added a new dimension to a Monaco team that, at the time, lacked creativity and thrust down the right. Whilst those opening few months at the Principality club are arguably, to date, still Vanderson’s best, the Brazilian has a consistency and a versatility that is crucial to the functioning of his team.

This was the year in which Vanderson consolidated his rise. Not only did the former Grêmio defender earn his first cap for Brazil in the Autumn, but he finally won the battle to start week-in-week-out for Les Monégasques. For the entirety of his stay thus far, Vanderson was the most promising and exciting option at right-back, but not necessarily always the firs choice one. He often saw himself dropped in favour of the more conservative Ruben Aguilar, especially against more experienced opponents. However, Aguilar left the club in the summer, joining RC Lens.

Instead of signing a like-for-like replacement, Monaco have shown their faith in Vanderson. Wilfried Singo was brought in, and whilst he can certainly play in Vanderson’s role, he has not been signed to compete with the Brazilian. Krépin Diatta, a winger by trade, has often filled in in Vanderson’s absence.

Unfortunately for Vanderson and for Monaco, who look a stronger side in his presence, those absences are too frequent. Upon his arrival, the Brazilian’s physicality was an aspect highlighted as an area of improvement. However, it is his lack of physicality in duels that continues to be his outstanding weakness. He has also missed 12 matches with two separate knee injuries this season, strengthening to not only help him to be a more physical