In what was a fairly even game that saw Queretaro start brightly to grab an early goal, Club Leon ran out eventual 3-1 winners thanks to a penalty and a header prior to half time before being awarded another penalty in the second period. Leon had the majority of the ball but struggled to break down the opposition at times, whilst Queretaro looked to play through the central third and make runs in behind the Leon backline.
Queretaro initially set up in a 4-3-1-2 that contained a narrow diamond in midfield, but this formation was very fluid as the deepest central midfielder would sometimes drop in to make it a back three or the midfield four would flatten out to make it a more conventional 4-4-2. As they were chasing the game Queretaro looked to go more direct and therefore primarily played a 4-4-2 in order to get more balls into the box, however, they were unable to find a breakthrough.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican / American
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 22/02/1997
- Current Club: Queretaro
- Career: Quereatro, Sonora (L)
- Position: Left Wing
- Secondary Position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Left
Suarez had a very tidy game in central midfield, recycling possession well whilst also looking to be creative. The USA born 23 year old started out on the right hand side of the midfield diamond before being moved further out to right midfield in the second half and then finally back into central midfield for the final 20 minutes. He did a good job at rarely wasting possession, never seeming to be rushed on the ball and showing composure even when under pressure. His first touch was consistently to a high standard and this could also be said for his close control. He linked up well with his teammates in tight areas and was confident when receiving the ball deep in his own half.
He was capable of driving with the ball but rarely did so and he preferred to opt for finding a pass to keep the play moving quickly. Suarez’s final ball was mixed however, finding some really clever passes into forwards and showing great vision, but also sometimes overhitting the pass to send a teammate too wide or not getting the right connection. Despite being labelled as a winger, Suarez seemed more comfortable and effective in central midfield where he could use his vision to find his teammates or provide the base for attacking moves.
At 5’11” he was capable of successfully challenging for headers but sometimes lacked physicality in midfield battles. Yet Suarez came across as an intelligent footballer so what he lacked in aggression and strength he made up for with his clever reading of the game. He was able to read passes to make interceptions and blocked some shots and passes as well with his pressing. He was also able to use his body well to shield the ball from his opponents which worked effectively and he worked hard to cover for his teammates.
Overall, Suarez played very well as a central midfielder, often looking to create openings for his side whilst also rarely giving the ball away and defensively he was able to use his football brain to make intelligent interventions. If Suarez can become more clinical in the final third then he would definitely have the potential to play higher based on this performance.
Rating: A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 26/10/2000
- Current Club: Queretaro
- Career: Queretaro
- Position: 10
- Secondary Position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Despite being unable to get on the ball as much as he would have liked, Ruiz still showed his quality at times. When in possession, Ruiz displayed confidence and composure, seeming content to play short simple passes and then when the opportunity presented itself he made one or two very clever through balls, one of which sent the striker through on goal. His first touch was generally good, taking the ball in his stride or turning with it well but for large periods of the game he found himself feeding off scraps. His concentration occasionally lapsed meaning he took one or two loose touches or overhit a couple of passes but on the whole he tried to create opportunities for his team when given the chance.
When his team was defending, Ruiz worked tirelessly to hassle his opponents, tracking back well from the number 10 role to support his midfield teammates and instigate some effective turnovers. At 5’11 and with a sturdy build, he was aggressive in duels and looked to use his strength to win possession and this worked well, winning the ball in the midfield third. He also provided an aerial presence and read the game to make one or two interceptions.
Ruiz played well when he did get the chance to have the ball and worked very hard for his team when out of possession, if he could sometimes take better care of the ball it would benefit his game but I would definitely be interested in watching him again.
Rating: A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 07/05/2000
- Current Club: Queretaro
- Career: Queretaro
- Position: Left Back
- Preferred foot: Left
Manriquez demonstrated glimpses of potential in this game, but also exposed a few areas for improvement. Playing as the left back, he sometimes struggled to keep up with the pace and movement of the winger, finding himself beaten on a couple of occasions early on. As a result he stood off the winger more which meant he was beaten less but allowed more crosses at times. However, he has a fairly strong build and used this strength well in tackles to win possession or put off his opponent and he also won a couple of decisive headers. As the game progressed he became better at tracking runs and cut out a few through balls to prevent Leon getting in behind.
In possession, the 20 year old was not afraid to drive with the ball but overran it on occasion which lead to him giving away a foul and hitting a wayward cross into the stands. He didn’t get a chance to venture forward often and so rarely had the ball at his feet, but he did make some progressive passes and one fairly dangerous delivery from out wide.
Overall, Manriquez showed some defensive frailties that could perhaps be improved upon but also showed potential for future development.
Rating: B2