Deportivo Municipal fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Alianza Atlético. Municipal lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation when in possession, which became a 4-1-4-1 without the ball. Throughout the 90 minutes, they created a better quality of chance than their opponent, but ultimately failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
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
Adrián Ascues
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Peruvian
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 15/11/2002
- Club: Deportivo Municipal
- Career: Sporting Cristal, Alianza Lima, Regatas Lima, Deportivo Municipal
- Position: Attacking Midfield
- Secondary position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Left
Adrián Ascues lined up as a right-sided centre midfielder, playing ahead of defensive midfielder Leonel Solís, and alongside Matías Pérez García. Ascues was allowed freedom to roam, regularly becoming the most advanced midfielder in an attempt to positively affect proceedings.
Ascues’ technical superiority when in comparison to the other players on the pitch became apparent almost immediately. He frequently displayed a wonderfully delicate first touch, whilst also possessing the ability to manoeuvre his way past the challenges of opponents with neat close control and impressive footwork. He heavily favours his left foot, but did show a willingness to play passes with his right.
When receiving the ball, Ascues’ body shape was good. He regularly opened his body up, allowing him to see the picture ahead of him prior to taking the ball. Swift scans over his shoulder also simplified this. The ease with which Ascues found space to take the ball also caught my eye. Intelligent movements as little as a yard either way prior to a pass being played enabled him to receive the ball under less pressure.
I found his passing range to be good if not extravagant. Although, when he did attempt a longer-range pass, it invariably reached its target. Ascues showcased good ball-carrying ability, though usually over short distances rather than long, before playing a well-timed pass to a team-mate. His solid physical build aided his ball-carrying, as it enabled him to regularly brush off challenges relatively easily.
Ascues’ ball-striking ability was a bit of a mixed-bag. He had a few attempts on goal; one of which is likely still in orbit, and another from range which struck the post. His overall technique when shooting did look good, though. I’d say his poor shot was more down to being off-balance rather than having poor technique when striking the ball.
If I could level one criticism at Ascues, it would be his poor cross selection towards the end of the match. Two or three times from a deeper position, he crossed into the box aimlessly rather than picking a pass, though I suppose this can be chalked up to a 19-year-old who was fatigued.
Rating – A1
In my opinion, Ascues is already capable of performing at a higher level. Both technically and physically he possesses attributes that would enable him to thrive in more demanding leagues. I’ve not read of any of interest so far, but I’d be shocked if I don’t soon enough.
Rotceh Aguilar
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Peruvian
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 12/06/2001
- Club: Deportivo Municipal
- Career: Club Esther Grande de Bentín, Deportivo Municipal
- Position: Right Back
- Secondary position: Centre Back, Left Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Rotceh Aguilar was deployed on the left of Municipal’s back four. With him being naturally right footed, and his regular role being at right back, from the get-go it was clear to see that left back wasn’t ideal for him.
Standing at 1.75m, Aguilar isn’t the biggest in stature, though he does possess decent upper body strength which prevented him from being easily bumped off the ball by opponents. This could stand him in good stead in the future given the fact that he also looked relatively comfortable in aerial duels due to the timing of his jump.
Positionally, Aguilar looked solid. He showcased an ability to sense danger and swiftly snuff it out before anything came of it. He regularly dropped in to cover for his left centre back (Lucas Trejo) when Trejo drifted out of position. I was impressed by his capability to maintain and control the distances between himself and Trejo when out of possession. He clearly displayed, first and foremost, a good understanding of his role as a defender.
Aguilar offered little going forward, barring a couple of moments — one of which where he had a claim for a penalty after being brought down in the box. Due to him being right footed and playing on the left, he seemed reluctant to overlap his winger, which was understandable if he isn’t confident using his left foot. As the game progressed, he did seem happier to try and aid attacks, though overall he was conservative in that respect.
He occasionally looked to play long passes into the channel — some of which were successful. Generally, though, he seemed a bit nervous when on the ball. Mainly when in the opposition’s half. He did, however, highlight his ability to both spot and execute long, raking cross-field passes when given time on the ball to do so.
Rating – B1
I’d say that Aguilar is a solid defender who offers security, with him rarely being caught out of position. He offered little in an attacking sense, though I’d be interested to see him in his natural role at right back. I’d expect to see a far more well-rounded performance in that instance. From what I have seen, Aguilar is a good player at Liga 1 level.
Target Scouting 