Nicolás de la Cruz

In this scout report for Nicolás de la Cruz at Flamengo, his style of play is marked by a robust defensive presence, making him an invaluable asset in the back line. His ball recovery skills are exceptional, allowing him to break up opposition plays with a composure that belies his age of 28. He's particularly adept in one-on-one situations and shows an impressive ability to defend within the penalty area, making opponents think twice before taking him on. While his ball retention and defensive capabilities shine, there's room for growth in his attacking contributions, as his goal threat remains limited for a player in his position. His progressive carrying can also be improved, which would enhance his ability to transition defence into attack. Nonetheless, de la Cruz's reliability in defence and knack for stifling attackers make him a critical figure in Flamengo's defensive setup, as highlighted by his player stats.