Riccieli Scout Report
Riccieli, the promising 25-year-old Brazilian center back currently adding value to Famalicão's lineup in the Primeira Liga, has had an interesting performance in the 2023-2024 season. This scout report reveals his distinct playing style tilted heavily towards defensively oriented match-ups.
In a landscape where modern center backs are expected to contribute significantly to team play, possession, and progression, Riccieli’s stats tell a slightly different, traditional story. The player’s percentile rankings illuminate his style of play - expressing a decidedly defensive bent. Riccieli thrives in the air, dominant in aerial duels, winning at an impressive rate that puts him in the top 16.98% of the league. On the ground, his determined tackling also cuts a significant figure, and his duel win percentage remains notably high.
However, for a center back, Riccieli's ball retention, recovery rates, and pass accuracy leave room for critique, ranked below 50%, which could spell out trouble in high-pressure scenarios against formidable opposition. Also, his progressive carrying and progressive passing ability, essential for launching and sustaining attacks, are disappointingly low.
Additionally, the player's lackadaisical percentage in the interceptions department is an alarming cause for concern, indicating a potential lapse in reading the game, and his propensity to accrue fouls and yellow cards suggests a need for better discipline.
On an interesting note, Riccieli’s predominantly defensive inclination is mirrored in his possession stats, with the majority of his play unfolding in the defensive third. The very limited action he sees in the attacking third speaks volumes about his defending-first approach. He is truly a traditional defensive powerhouse, focusing predominantly on thwarting attacks rather than initiating them.
In sum, Riccieli is a player with significant traditional defensive strengths, but improvements can be made in ball-playing skills and discipline to fit the evolving role of a center back in modern football.