Played over 2000 meters above sea level, FBC Melgar and SC Internacional draw 0-0 in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals. From early on, the Argentinean team, coached by Pablo Lavallén, tried to take the game’s initiative. However, Mano Menezes managed to be dangerous in transition, as well as when he could link up directly with Alexandre Alemão, overcoming the high pressure of the Peruvians – which caused the Brazilians plenty of problems during the game.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Alec Deneumostier
- Nationality: Peruvian
- Age: 23
- Date of Birth: 05/05/1999
- Club: FBC Melgar
- Career: Club Esther Grande de Bentín, FBC Melgar
- Position: Center Back
- Preferred Foot: Right
In football’s current climate, seeing a central defender shorter than 1.90 meters is an affront to many football managers. Pablo Lavallén does not seem to have a problem with that. Alec and Lazo, whom I will talk about next, are around 1.86 and 1.88 meters, respectively. However, speaking only about Deneumostier, that is not a hindrance to making himself noticed when the physical side of the game is called to intervene.
On a night when FBC Melgar dominated the game through possession, Alec Deneumostier tried to show his efficiency in those moments of the game. With the ball, he did not show any problems. Deneumostier managed to pass short to the different directions and look for vertical passes through the ground to the backs of the SC Internacional midfielders. He also demonstrated his virtues through the air, having hit seven of the ten long passes he tried.
From a defensive point of view, the Peruvian of Belgian descent won six of the nine duels he contested and was a safety net in the air, leaving a good impression of his ability to defend the area from Brazilian crosses. He was not always the most intelligent in transition and avoided tackling and tried to steal the ball without doing so, which meant he was repeatedly outmuscled. In those moments, he lacked the personality to run back quickly and recover his position.
If we look at the heat map of Deneumostier’s display, it is possible to see a spot in the opponent’s area, which points to his availability and audacity to look for the finish through set pieces. He managed to frame two shots, one of them with relative danger for Daniel’s goal.
Rating – A2
Considering only these 90 minutes, Alec Deneumostier presents valences that could take him to the Old Continent. Initially, it could be a step up in South America, going to a club with some notoriety in Brazil or Argentina. Later, an entrance into Europe through Portugal, Belgium, or the Netherlands would be ideal. Continuing to give him playing time is primordial for him to rise to the next level.
Matías Lazo
- Nationality: Peruvian
- Age: 19
- Date of Birth: 11/07/2003
- Club: FBC Melgar
- Career: Club Esther Grande de Bentín, FBC Melgar
- Position: Winger
- Preferred Foot: Right
Slender-bodied but always well orientated, Matías Lazo put in a very competent display against SC Internacional. Never intimidated or taken by the nerves of playing in the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, the youngster imposed himself on the pitch through his ball handling.
In the offensive moment, and since he was rarely pressed, Lazo always managed to be calm and patient to place accurately all the passes he made. He managed, several times, to break SC Internacional’s pressure lines, either with his right or left foot. In some situations, he could have looked to carry, especially when the opponent’s block was balanced to one side, and there was space to make progress.
Defensively, Lazo was not tested. However, he showed the ability to respect the defensive line, directing the supports well to his goal and making good coverages to those who made contention. He was not exposed to physical duels, but he was useful defensively.
Rating – A2
Evolving physically, which can give him other weapons at the defensive level and the level of progression, Matías Lazo can fly from the high altitude of Peru to Europe, using the United States of America, Brazil, or Argentina as a stopover point. He is a player that can reach the level of a team like Futebol Clube do Porto.
Kenji Cabrera
- Nationality: Peruvian
- Age: 19
- Date of Birth: 27/01/2003
- Club: FBC Melgar
- Career: FBC Melgar
- Position: Center-Back
- Preferred Foot: Right
The mixture of South American and Japanese blood reflects how Kenji Cabrera feels and lives the game. On the one hand, his inventiveness translates into how he tries to get opponents out of the way and place last passes between the different elements of the opposing defensive line. On the other, he can play well with both feet and be supportive of his colleagues full time.
At just 1.74 meters, Kenji possesses a low center of gravity, which allowed him to complete five of the six dribbles he attempted. He zigzagged through SC Internacional’s players and always managed to produce something, which sweetened his display. In terms of passing, the young Peruvian showed quality in short spaces by touching first with his colleagues and eliminating the pressure triggers of the opponent.
Without the ball, the Peruvian with Japanese origins showed a solid willingness to react to loss. He bothered the SC Internacional players several times after losing the ball, and, sometimes, he even managed to recover it. When FBC Melgar pressed high, Kenji was aggressive in jumping on the ball carrier, preventing him from progressing either by passing or driving. In addition, he was also able to make defensive coverages in the moment of pressure from his teammates.
Rating – A2
Continuing to add minutes in his current context, Kenji Cabrera could eventually dream of a ticket to Europe to hone his decision-making skills in the final third. Joining a secondary league that favors youth and attacking football, such as the Dutch, would be great to be later able to make another leap, if possible.