Overview
Walace Souza Silva, commonly known as Walace, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has established himself as a prominent defensive midfielder in European football. Born on April 4, 1995, in Salvador, Brazil, Walace began his career in his home country before moving to Europe, where he has featured for clubs in Germany and Italy. His playing style is characterized by his robust physical presence, adeptness at breaking up opposition play, and reliable distribution from deep areas. Walace has also earned caps for the Brazil national team, representing his country at various levels.
Position
Walace primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, often deployed as a number 6 or a deep-lying playmaker. In this role, he is responsible for shielding the defense, intercepting passes, and initiating attacks from the base of midfield. His tactical awareness and ability to read the game are crucial in disrupting opposing teams' offensive movements. He can also play as a central midfielder, offering more box-to-box capabilities when required, but his most impactful performances typically come from a deeper position.
Identity
Walace's footballing identity is built around his defensive solidity and work rate. He is often described as a 'destroyer' in midfield, capable of winning possession through tackles and interceptions. Beyond his defensive contributions, Walace possesses good passing range and composure on the ball, allowing him to transition play effectively from defense to attack. His physicality, combined with his technical ability, makes him a well-rounded midfielder capable of influencing both phases of play.
Career path
Walace began his footballing journey in Brazil, developing through the youth ranks before making his senior debut. His career path has seen him transition from South America to Europe, experiencing different leagues and footballing cultures.
Grêmio
Walace started his professional career at Grêmio, one of Brazil's most historic clubs. He joined their academy and progressed steadily, eventually making his senior debut for the club. His performances in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A quickly drew attention, showcasing his potential as a dominant defensive midfielder. He became a key player for Grêmio, contributing to their success in domestic competitions. His tenure at Grêmio culminated in winning the Copa do Brasil in 2016, a significant achievement that further highlighted his capabilities on a national stage.
Hamburger SV
In January 2017, Walace made his move to European football, joining German Bundesliga side Hamburger SV. The transfer marked a significant step in his career, offering him the opportunity to compete in one of Europe's top leagues. He quickly integrated into the squad and became a regular starter, contributing to their midfield efforts. Despite his individual performances, the club faced challenges during his time there, ultimately experiencing relegation from the Bundesliga at the end of the 2017–18 season [1].
Hannover 96
Following Hamburg's relegation, Walace remained in Germany's top flight, joining Hannover 96 in the summer of 2018 [2]. At Hannover, he continued to showcase his defensive prowess and midfield control. His time with Hannover 96 was another chapter in his adaptation to European football, where he continued to refine his game against strong opposition. Despite his efforts, Hannover also struggled, and he moved on after a single season.
Udinese Calcio
In August 2019, Walace moved to Italy, signing with Serie A club Udinese Calcio [2]. This transfer saw him embark on a new challenge in one of Europe's most tactically demanding leagues. At Udinese, Walace has become a central figure in their midfield, consistently delivering performances that underline his value. He has been instrumental in their efforts to maintain their Serie A status, providing stability and a strong defensive anchor in the middle of the park.
Playing style
Walace's playing style is characterized by a blend of physical strength, defensive acumen, and controlled distribution, making him a classic defensive midfielder. His primary role involves protecting the backline and disrupting opposition attacks.
Defensive Attributes
Walace excels in his defensive duties. He possesses a strong tackling ability, often winning the ball cleanly and efficiently. His positional awareness allows him to anticipate plays and make crucial interceptions, breaking up dangerous passes before they reach the final third. According to Sofascore, Walace consistently ranks high in metrics such as tackles won and interceptions per game, demonstrating his effectiveness in regaining possession for his team [3]. He is also strong in aerial duels, providing an important defensive presence against long balls and set pieces.
Distribution and Ball Retention
While primarily a defensive player, Walace is also proficient in ball distribution. He maintains a high pass completion rate, typically opting for safe, accurate passes that help his team retain possession and build attacks from the back. He rarely cedes possession cheaply, which is vital for a player in his deep-lying role. His ability to switch play with longer passes also adds another dimension to his team's offensive transitions, allowing them to exploit space on the flanks.
Physicality and Stamina
Walace's physical attributes are a cornerstone of his game. His strength enables him to hold off opponents and win duels in midfield, while his stamina allows him to cover significant ground throughout a match. This combination of strength and endurance makes him a tireless worker, capable of pressing opponents and tracking back defensively for the full ninety minutes. He can be compared to players like Fernandinho in his prime, known for their relentless defensive work and tactical discipline in midfield.
Achievements & honours
Walace has accumulated several significant achievements throughout his career, both at club and international level, highlighting his impact on the teams he has represented.
Club Honours
His time at Grêmio in Brazil saw him lift a major domestic trophy, a testament to his contributions during his formative years in professional football.
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Copa do Brasil | Grêmio | 2016 |
International Honours
Walace has also achieved success with the Brazil national team at youth level, most notably by securing an Olympic Gold Medal, a prestigious honour in international football.
| Competition | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medal | Brazil U23 | 2016 |
International career
Walace has represented Brazil at both youth and senior levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage. His international career began with appearances for Brazil's youth teams, culminating in a significant achievement at the Olympic Games.
Youth International
Walace was a key member of the Brazil U23 squad that competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. He played an integral role in the midfield, contributing to Brazil's historic gold medal victory, their first ever in Olympic men's football [4]. This experience provided valuable exposure to high-pressure tournament football and solidified his reputation as a promising talent.
Senior International
Following his impressive performances at club level and with the Olympic team, Walace earned his first call-up to the senior Brazil national team. He made his senior debut for the Seleção in 2016. Since then, he has accumulated a total of 5 caps for Brazil [2]. While not a constant fixture in the starting eleven due to the depth of talent in Brazilian midfield, Walace has consistently provided a reliable option when called upon. His appearances have primarily been in friendly matches and as a rotational option in competitive qualifiers, demonstrating his continued presence in the national team setup.
What makes Walace stand out
Walace distinguishes himself through a combination of relentless defensive work and understated technical quality. His ability to consistently break up play and win possession in crucial areas is a core asset. He rarely makes rash decisions, instead relying on intelligent positioning and well-timed tackles to regain the ball. This tactical discipline, coupled with his physical presence, allows him to dictate the tempo in the midfield battleground.
Another standout trait is his composure under pressure. Even when facing intense opposition pressing, Walace maintains a calm demeanor, often finding simple yet effective passes to relieve pressure and initiate offensive transitions. This reliability makes him a trusted figure in the middle of the park, capable of shielding the defense and providing a stable platform for his teammates.
"Walace brings a crucial balance to the midfield. He's not flashy, but his consistency in winning the ball and his intelligent distribution are invaluable to any team."