Arquímides Ordóñez is a 21-year-old right-footed forward who played a key rotational role for Guatemala during the Gold Cup. He appeared four times off the bench, providing an assist against the United States. During World Cup qualification a week prior to the tournament, Ordóñez played the second half of the victory over the Dominican Republic then started versus Jamaica, who he would remain on the bench against six days later. He is currently a free agent after a short stint with Moldovan club Zimbru Chisinau, signing for them in February. This followed a loan spell in the Swedish second tier while still under contract at FC Cincinnati.
Ordóñez stands at 1.88 m with a lean yet solid frame. He has lots of power in his lower body and it shows in his bursts of pace. He uses his frame well going into aerial duels and when shielding possession. He is quite capable of absorbing or initiating contact in duels while still being durable enough to hold up under physical pressure, given he faces tons of it as he prefers a central role.
The Guatemalan attacker is still figuring out his best role in the front line. Ordóñez showed the most promise during this run of international play when deployed on the left wing, dribbling at opponents from wide positions. He was confident in those take-ons and was able to put together moves with his technical footwork when pressured to get himself free. Though a technical dribbler for a centre-forward at this level, Ordóñez does occasionally have a heavy first touch, especially when receiving in stride, displaying he must develop some more control in possession. Another way he beats opponents is with turns of pace that allowed him to create space to carry into the final third. His dynamism on carries also enabled him to break lines and create chances, the biggest being the assist he provided Olger Escobar in the Gold Cup semifinal. Ordóñez does overdribble at times, forcing his way when a simpler option is available to retain. That tunnel vision in 1v1s can cause some poor decision making, missing opportunities to release the ball early when pressured or misjudging the timing of passes in transition.
When holding up play, his first touch is more consistent, particularly out wide, controlling direct distribution well. Ordóñez is press resistant when receiving with his back to goal. He draws fouls by baiting overaggressive challenges after holding up or turning. When linking up, his short passing is smart, keeping it on the ground with his dominant foot despite space being tight centrally. On occasion, he showed some vision to play an incisive pass on the counter.
Off ball, Ordóñez positioned himself well, primarily on runs into the back post in support, regardless of which wing he was playing from. He adjusts intelligently in support of the buildup and counter by being effective at finding and using pockets in the half spaces. Though he prefers to paly centrally, he provides enough width when playing as a winger.
Regarding finishing, Ordóñez gets himself into high quality areas consistently and is a volume shooter that is capable of unleashing quick strikes of power, especially going low into the near post. His finishes are often on target, though not always from the best angles. Despite being an opportunistic finisher, he does lack composure in the box and struggles with shot selection, lacking consistency and precision.
As a presser, Ordóñez is willing and brings intensity. He displays urgency upon possession loss, being active when chasing down from behind. If his timing is right, Ordóñez has the physicality to generate turnovers in the high press. He does get overaggressive in the press, though, going in recklessly in moments.
The Guatemalan senior international is physically quite gifted with height, power, and pace to pair with promising technical traits. Though a natural striker profile, the chance to see him deployed wide emphasized some strengths that could see him picked up on a free transfer as a rotational option for a club outside the top 8 leagues, if he remains in Europe. If not, Ordóñez could play the same role in the MLS or start immediately in the USL. Either way, his next club must choose whether to lean into his growing technical ability on ball or promising end product as they guide his development. He will be 22 in August, so the ball of clay label is reaching its expiration date. Should he figure it out, Ordóñez still has the potential to be a solid starting striker in the MLS.
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