Sport Recife ran out 4-1 victors over ABC in what was a largely dominant performance by the home side. A trio of second half goals proved too much for ABC, despite the visitors finding themselves level at the half-time break. Sport lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which often became a 4-4-2 when out of possession. The hosts put great emphasis on overloading central zones when in possession whilst also allowing their full-backs to occupy wide-areas in an attempt to sustain pressure and pen ABC in their own defensive third.
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
Luciano Juba
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 29/08/1999
- Club: Sport Recife
- Career: Sport Recife (Y), Confiança (L), Sport Recife
- Position: Left-Winger
- Preferred foot: Left
Luciano Juba was deployed on the left-wing for Sport Recife during their win over ABC, though it became apparent relatively early on in proceedings that Juba had been granted license to roam and drift into central zones when his side were in possession of the ball. The winger possesses an average frame – standing at roughly 1.76m tall – whilst also boasting a slender build. Juba didn’t display a great initial burst of pace, nor did he showcase much in the way of pace over longer distances. He did, however, compensate for this with intelligent movement to create space for himself. In spite of his slim build, Juba showed both a willingness and ability to duel for the ball, particularly aerially. On occasion, the winger displayed a capability to win aerial duels when up against more physically imposing opponents.
The Brazilian showcased an impressive level of ball-striking throughout the match, more often than not striking through the ball cleanly whilst also maintaining a good body shape. A pertinent example of this would be Juba’s goal, coming on the 62nd minute. The winger expertly tucked away a first- time half-volley, displaying both great composure and technique in the process. Juba did, at times, seemingly rush when crossing the ball, leading to said crosses being overhit.
The 23-year-old showed a general unwillingness to take on his opponents when one-on-one, often instead opting to find a passing option, though intelligent use of dummies and body-feints enabled the winger to gain an advantage over opposition players. Juba’s first touch was largely decent when given time and space, though when under pressure it wasn’t always as assured. It should also be noted that Juba heavily favours his left-foot.
An aspect of the winger’s performance which I found particularly pleasing was his ability to combine at pace with team-mates when in ABC’s defensive third. He displayed impressive speed-of-thought and intuition when doing so, whilst simultaneously showing good close control in tight spaces. Juba also highlighted his creative edge, showing both the vision to spot runs of his team-mates and the ability to execute perfectly-weighted passes, as he did for Sport’s final goal of the game.
Juba displayed a good understanding of his side’s tactical setup and what his role was within that setup. He was aware of pre-set pressing triggers and, in turn, able to adequately execute pressures. As previously alluded to, Juba was extremely comfortable when drifting into the left half-space. He displayed a knowledge of when to drift in-field, offering himself as an improved option and then allowing left-back, Filipinho to attack the vacated space. His ability to thrive in central zones, coupled with both his technical and physical skill-sets makes him well-suited to operating as an interior as well as an out-to-in winger.
Rating – A2
Luciano Juba showcased plenty of scalable attributes during this match. When speaking to technical, tactical and mental aspects of his profile, he’s certainly capable of performing at a higher level. His physical limitations will likely prevent him from reaching European football, though I’d imagine a move to a club in the Brasileirão Série A is inevitable – Juba has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with City Group-owned Bahia at the time of writing.