Brazil U17 – Match Report vs Argentina U17 (23/04/2023)

In the final game of the final group stage of the U17 Copa America, Argentina faced Brazil. With Brazil and Ecuador on 10 points, and Argentina on 7, all 3 teams had a chance of winning it all. Given the magnitude of the game, in both current and historical context, it started out with nerves from both teams, before Brazil scored 2 in 20 minutes with the help of Riquelme Fillipi, Argentina equalised in the 55th minute but 5 minutes later Brazil regained their lead, and Argentina were unable to break through.

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

Riquelme Fillipi 

Player Profile:

• Nationality: Brazilian
• Age: 16
• Date of birth: 15/09/2006
• Club: Palmeiras (Y)
• Career: Palmeiras (Y)
• Position: Left Wing
• Preferred foot: Right

Fillipi played as a left inside forward, in the same way Mbappe plays that position. Starting on the left then coming inside as a striker. Later in the game Fillipi was fixed up top in a two man partnership. He was vital to this win, as two moments of magic earned him a goal and an assist. Off the ball he started as a LM in a 442 but eventually moved into the striker position. As a left midfielder his pressing was better as he had to react and jump less often, which he struggled with when up top.

On the ball we saw very little of him, as he was subbed off and Brazil resorted to defending deep and counter attacking in the second half. From what we did see, he’s a high volume 1v1 player when wide, he approaches his 1v1s well but lacks the burst to create separation. When central he looked comfortable, he was readjusting his runs in behind and timing them well, with a few exceptions. His first touch is great which minimises the disadvantage of his pace. At times as a striker he was a bystander in attacks, he didn’t know where to position himself or how to best contribute to creating a chance. When Brazil changed their strategy into a counterattacking one he struggled as he could not separate from his marker, but he could hold the ball up well for his teammates to arrive. This led to a tactical decision from the coach to sub him off in the 76th minute.

Rating — B2

Fillipi can be a great striker if he gains experience there, it’s evident he knows what to do but lacks the consistency in his application. He’s shown he can create goals out of nothing, against the run of play. Although his lack of pace remains a concern regardless of which position he decides to commit to.