Coming from San José, Costa Rica, Josimar Alcócer is a 2004 left-winger who is gradually becoming a key asset for KVC Westerlo. Developed at LD Alajuelense, a well-established club in Costa Rica’s first division, Alcócer discovered professional football there, only aged 17 at the time. After his breakout season in 2022/2023, which saw him get 7 G/A in only 1215 minutes during the Primera División Clausura, he joined KVC Westerlo during the summer, ahead of the 2023/2024 season. His first season was more of an adaptation than anything else, as he barely played. His second season saw him get more and more minutes, reaching a good total of around 1800. Only decisive three times in the past two seasons, Alcócer has really highlighted his abilities this season, scoring 3 and assisting 3 in 11 games. He is also well-established with the national team, having earned 28 caps already at 21.
In the matches observed, Westerlo set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alcócer playing as a left winger. The team typically sits in a mid-block, dropping deeper when needed to stay compact. The fullbacks often push high, allowing them to combine with the winger. Alcócer has had a great connection with Tuur Rommens so far this season.
Physically, Alcócer has an atypical profile for a winger: tall (around 1.85 m) and lean, he stands out with a fluid stride and impressive shooting power. His build allows him to hold his ground in duels while maintaining good balance on his feet, which also helps him in order to protect the ball. He shows a strong explosiveness in the first few meters and sustained running speed over longer distances, though he does not ask much for the ball in the depth. His dribbling abilities are impressive, as he is capable of eliminating a lot of fullbacks thanks to the combination of acceleration, power, and agility he possesses. With his height, he wins aerial duels against smaller fullbacks but this is not a key part of his game. What strikes most indeed is his high work rate, allowing him to be of big help for KVC Westerlo in defensive phases.
Technically, Alcocer is above average this season. His ball control is clean, often oriented forward, allowing him to combine quickly or take on opponents one-on-one, as said before. He excels in dribbling, alternating between pure wing runs and cutting into half-spaces, notably due to his strong understanding with Tuur Rommens, his fullback who alternates as well, making both of them hard to read. Able to deliver crosses on the move as well as from a standstill, he also varies the trajectory and height of his deliveries. His shooting is one of his main assets: powerful, precise, and often executed quickly, it makes him a direct threat whenever he approaches the box. That being said, Alcocer still tends to touch a very small amount of the ball per game and often chooses between the same two options: pass it to the back or try to take on his opponent.
On a tactical point, the link between the left winger and the fullback is a constant threat that has allowed Westerlo to be one of the best attacking sides in Belgium so far. Therefore, the part where the Costa Rican stands out most is without the ball: his contribution in defense is massive, with a lot of effort to maintain the middle block and never letting his teammate be in a numerical inferiority. This hard work is well-rewarded in statistics, as Alcocer appears at the 98th percentile in tackles and interceptions for a winger.
The young winger shows a positive attitude, always being focused and not lowering his head after a miss. He displays good confidence without over-dribbling or playing individually. Even though he does not seem to be a leader on the pitch, he seems well integrated. His work rate combined with his mentality makes him reliable.
Being a starter for the first time in his young career, Alcocer will soon have to confront new challenges due to the series of matches as well as the travels for national selection. In a precedent report covering Emin Bayram, I spoke about the European lowest spot target that Westerlo should have. I still believe the same, and Alcocer’s season could be a turning point for them. Depending on his capacity to keep up his good contribution, I think that the Costa Rican could stay at least one more season in Belgium before a potential transfer to a Bundesliga mid-table side.
Target Scouting 