River Plate drew against Nacional in what was an uneventful match with a lot of direct play and sloppiness in the passing. It was the first game since football returned in Paraguay and that could be seen in this match.
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
Richard Fernández
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Date of birth: 29/09/1996
- Age: 23
- Club: River Plate Asunción
- Career: Club Plaza Colonia (Y), CD Santaní, River Plate Asunción
- Position: Centre Back
- Secondary position: Left Back & Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Richard Fernandez played as the right central defender in the match. He liked to play short, powerful passes into the midfield but failed to play accurate passes at times. Fernández looked to be a player who felt comfortable on the ball, but maybe even too comfortable. He had times where he would overestimate his own ability and dribble it out from the back when there was no space, or play difficult passes.
In defence, he did well to cut the passing lanes towards the opponent that made a run in behind. He did not anticipate well on where the ball would go in aerial duels as he both timed his jump wrong and jumped under the ball. He got dragged out of position often and did not look agile in the 1v1 duels, especially when he got dragged out wide and he needed to defend against a winger. He lost his balance in these duels as he fell on his back. He had problems with his balance in other duels as well.
Fernández had a good build but he struggled to win physical duels and lost his balance quite easily.
Rating – C
I really did not like his performance, but I will probably rewatch him since it was the first match back after the pandemic.
Ramón Sosa
- Nationality: Paraguayan
- Date of birth: 31/08/1999
- Age: 20
- Club: River Plate Asunción
- Career: River Plate Asunción (Y)
- Position: Right Midfield
- Secondary position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Ramon Sosa played as a left winger in this match and managed to score one goal. During the build-up, he could drop deeper while sticking close to the sideline, but he could also open up a passing lane in the half-space. When he received the ball in the half-space, he would sometimes look to turn his opponent but failed to do so at times as his ball control was not perfect, even though it was not bad. He retained possession though whenever he tried to turn his opponent.
When River Plate were in possession in the final third, Ramon Sosa would often take up a position in the half-space. However, he only occupied the position, while not making space for the left-back to cut inside or making a run in behind to receive the through pass in the box. Ramon Sosa had good passing with his right foot, but his left foot was average and he failed to reach his teammates often when he tried to pass with his left foot. He scored a very good header in the second half after he sneaked away from the defender.
The Paraguayan failed to keep his balance at times, but showed good jumping ability in the aerial duels. Ramon Sosa needed a lot of time on the ball and carried the ball too long in my opinion. He looked rather indecisive whenever he came close to the final third. He occasionally made a good run in behind in transition and could use his good acceleration and pace in these duels. He found the left-back well with a backheel at once but needed to work together more with his left-back.
Deep into the second half, he sustained an injury.
Rating – A2
I think that he needs another two years in Paraguay before he can think of making a step up.