Manager Paulo Pezzolano lined up with a 4-2-3-1 as Valladolid faced Racing Ferrol in the 21st matchday of the La Liga 2 campaign. Despite having 52% of possession at half, Valladolid were down 0-1, and that wound up being the result even with a reasonable success rate on wing attacks in the second half. This loss unfortunately allowed Ferrol to leapfrog them into second place.
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
David Torres
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Spanish
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 05/03/2003
- Club: Real Valladolid
- Position: Left Center-Back
- Secondary Position: Left Back
- Preferred foot: Left
David Torres is a 182 cm lean built center-back that represents Spain at U21 level. Athletically, his agility is better than most at his position. His defensive recoveries displayed his above average pace for a center-back. Meanwhile his physicality shows in duels, especially aerially. Although not the tallest center-back or a great leaper, he utilizes his body control well to force errant headers or plain missed attempts. Torres is not the most impressive physically, but his overall intelligence and knowledge of his limitations make him a plus athletically.
He did is best work in the buildup on the left side of defense. He began as a left-sided center-back and moved over to left back after some second half substitutions. Line-breaking ground passes using his dominant foot were his calling card in this match. With some or no pressure, he often scanned forward to pinpoint passes between both lines and defenders to begin progression from buildup. Due to his progressive mindset, took unnecessary risks at times that defenders were able to predict and intercept. He needed to be more comfortable settling for side passes.
Defensively, Torres was solid but could have been stronger. His ability to come over to cover quickly was a key ability, exemplified in a timely slide tackle in the final third wing to win a goal kick. On the match’s lone goal, he was unlucky coming over to cover on opposite side of box, as the pass came out quickly as he closed out. Additionally, he applied pressure in 1v1s and recoveries well. His tackling technique was exemplary with his precise pokes, but those challenges needed to have more strength. One tackle attempt not being strong enough led to him being dribbled past into the box.
Rating – A2
There was a reason he got a chance to play in La Liga before relegation. Torres is a solid lefty ball-playing CB that needs to build more consistency in both phases of play. His tackles must be stronger alongside a better balance of risk during his decision-making must be found, mainly in distribution. Torres will be a solid option for mid-table La Liga clubs next season.
Manuel Pozo
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Spanish
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 12/12/2001
- Club: Real Valladolid
- Career: Calavera CF (Y), Real Betis (Y), CD Covadonga (Loan), Sporting de Gijon (Y)
- Position: Right Winger
- Preferred foot: Left
In his senior debut for Valladolid, Manuel Pozo started at right winger before being subbed off in the 61st minute. He is a 168 cm attacker with an average build. Athletically, he was quicker than fast and not the strongest. Although aggressive engaging in duels, the physicality aspect held him back. Pozo’s mentality was resilient, but he lacked tactical/situational intelligence at times.
Attack-wise, Pozo displayed a specific skillset on ball but some versatility off it. Off ball, he mostly remained wide, supporting with runs through to receive in stride heading into the final third while also flashing short for passes at his feet. After receiving, his most common move was to temporarily hold up then line up his marker in attempt to cut inside with his technical dribbling. Pozo was somewhat reliant on his dominant left foot and his focus on technical dribbling made retaining possession in tight areas easy for him, though that made overdribbling a common occurrence. But, when attacking his marker with his dribbling his success rate suffered, as his movement was at times predictable and the lack of explosion when dribbling noticeable. His passing mainly consisted of lefty deliveries to penetrate the interior and conservative back passes. Along with that, his main utilization of his right came on crossing deliveries after beating his marker to the outside in the final third. Those attempts were made with decent accuracy but not a significant threat.
When pressing, Pozo did not lack effort. Applying physical pressure in the opposition half was his main contribution. While doing so, he managed to frustrate opponents enough to force them backward on their dribble.
Rating – B1
Shocked that this is his first chance at professional senior football at 22. Pozo showed he is very capable as a winger at second division standard in this match. Solid technique and athleticism but he must improve his decision making as a dribbler. Not sure if his play style and age lends him room to grow into a La Liga winger, though he will give slower defenders problems in the second tier for years to come.
Monchu
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Spanish
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 13/09/1999
- Club: Real Valladolid
- Career: RCD Mallorca (Y), FC Barcelona (Y), Girona (Loan), Granada CF
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Preferred foot: Right
Monchu is a midfielder that I have covered in a previous match report last season. In this game, the diminutive 173 cm central player started and was subbed off in the 83rd minute. Monchu was a hard-working box-to-box midfielder in this match, displaying admirable stamina. He was physically strong for his size, though he went to ground multiple times attempting to draw fouls with some gamesmanship.
Monchu was a key player in the buildup and attacking. Using his dominant foot, he spread play to the wings frequently with reliable accuracy. In addition, his middle channel runs from box-to-box were consistent from possession to possession and provided valuable support as a central outlet. Additionally, he dropped short to link play in his own half and after spreading play would immediately move forward to continue moving with buildup. His tactical intelligence off ball on the attack was a clear asset to Valladolid. To conclude his runs multiple times, he crashed the box centrally to receive on crosses and engage in aerial duels, even winning one and getting a headed shot that went over the crossbar. Regarding finishing, he had a couple of long shot attempts with his right foot using curve but missed wide and over the crossbar.
Defensively, Monchu’s main attribution was in his box-to-box recovery runs in a timely manner. During his recoveries, passing lanes were cut out with his noticeably active feet to cover space centrally until he retreated to the top of his own box to help protect the back line and own third. When joining the high press, Monchu managed to apply physical pressure to force back passes.
Rating – A1
Surprising that he did not get a move to stay in La Liga this summer. Monchu put his elite instincts on display and worked hard from box-to-box frequently looking to draw fouls and shoot from distance. He should move on to greener pastures in the winter window.
Enzo Boyomo
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Cameroonian, French
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 07/10/2001
- Club: Real Valladolid
- Career: Toulouse FC (Y), Blackburn Rovers (Y), Albacete
- Position: Right Center-Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Enzo Boyomo is a right-sided center-back that started this match for Valladolid and completed the full 90 minutes. The Cameroonian senior international is a summer signing from Albacete that stands at 184 cm with a stocky frame. Athletically, his pace is average while his agility could be better.
Defensively, Boyomo was solid but not spectacular. He made some mistakes like being turned as his marker approached the box in a 1v1 leading to a chance. His below par pace for the position was clear in a couple close outs when coming over to cover. One even allowed a hockey assist on a pass inside past him as he reached his new marker. Boyomo did well in some duels using his physicality. On one duel, he used his frame well on the back of his marker on the wing in transition to force possession out of play to win throw in. Off ball, his recoveries were timely using his long strides to get into his line safely and begin marking with an attentiveness.
In the buildup, he did his best work. Boyomo was successful in his accuracy on multiple long passes aerially to progress. Those were mainly made lacking pressure, but he had solid technique on the dribble facing some. On one occasion he dribbled past his marker inside to gain space and short pass forward. On another, he long touched past pressure and managed a back pass to retain. When getting into the box on set pieces, Boyomo was not reliable. His header on a run into the front post on a corner was mishit and careened outside of the box. On a touch after a free kick, it was poor, and possession was subsequently taken from him in the opposition box.
Rating – B1
A subpar display on first viewing but I did see some of the traits that have given him a bit of hype, long balls and strength in duels being the primary highlights. Much improvement will be needed to be better than a solid second tier center-back.
Babatunde Akinsola
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 10/03/2003
- Club: Real Valladolid
- Career: Valiant FC, Vasalunds IF (Y)
- Position: Left Winger
- Preferred foot: Both
‘Tunde’ Akinsola is a former Nigeria youth international that subbed on at halftime as a left winger and provided an immediate spark due to his exemplary work rate and explosive pace. The 175 cm attacker displayed promising traits to work with in his brief appearance.
On the attack, his timing and explosiveness on runs was his key contribution. Akinsola positioned himself wide on the left and timed quick bursts on short runs to be an option through for central playmakers while possession slowed down. Additionally, he was able to receive through into the final third on wide LW runs in support of transition. His athleticism on the left brought a nice change of pace once the buildup came to a standstill. Often, Akinsola received on the final third wing, delivering short passes on the ground into and around the box with his left foot. His first touch receiving up the wing was mostly consistent, but on a pass through with a bit too much weight, he could not keep the ball in play on his second touch. Overall, there is a lot of natural ability within Akinsola, the technique and finishing just needs refining.
With his high work rate, he was able to be a key contributor in the press. Consistently putting in annoying pokes on his marker was his calling card although it led to him fouling. In addition, his quickness when roaming the front line in the press was a huge help.
Rating – A2
Terrific athleticism, timing on his runs, and work rate combining for loads of potential. A lot to work with but a raw prospect. More time in La Liga 2 will paint a picture of his true current abilities and what the future holds for him. One thing is clear: La Liga will be calling soon. The sky is the limit due to his traits but there is more to be seen to determine what heights he can reach.
Target Scouting 