Brazilian press are offering new details on Matheus França’s time at Vasco da Gama, showing that the Crystal Palace loanee is now living a tactical experiment.

Globo Esporte reports that manager Fernando Diniz has started using him as a central midfielder rather than in his usual attacking roles.

França’s case fits perfectly into Diniz’s coaching style. In Brazil, he is famous for constant tactical reshaping and unorthodox role changes.

The manager often tests players in new areas of the pitch to explore skills that others might overlook. His methods have even drawn comparisons to Pep Guardiola, though with a more unpredictable edge.

França, who usually plays in a “front three” role, was pushed deeper in recent games against São Paulo and Botafogo.

Diniz said he wanted to add more creativity and attacking weight to the midfield. “The system didn’t change. França played there because I wanted more attacking traits to chase the result,” he explained.

Experiment yet to pay off for Crystal Palace player

The idea has not worked so far. Globo Esporte noted that França’s performances were quiet and that Vasco’s midfield looked more open after his introduction. The club actually lost both matches in which he featured...