Nicolás Otamendi Scout Report
In our scout report for the seasoned center back, Nicolás Otamendi, currently of Benfica within the Primeira Liga, we find an old-school defender showcasing an impressive skill set that belies his age. His style of play ensures Benfica's backline remains as formidable as ever. While he's past his golden age, his performances truly demonstrate nothing short of a display of excellence.
Otamendi, at age 36, dominates impressive metrics, mirroring the defensive behemoth he is. Ranking exceptionally high in the ability to recoup possession, with both ball recovery and recoveries lying within the top 5% of current league CBs, he also shines when it comes to progressive carrying and interceptions, again placing within the top 10%. Such metrics showcase his style as a robust and possession-oriented defender, which is a huge strength in a game increasingly focusing on retaining ball control.
Although his pass accuracy is also resonating within the top 15%, suggesting a consistent and reliable presence at the heart of Benfica's defense, one cannot overlook his slightly above-average ball retention. This suggests that while Otamendi exhibits a commendable command in many areas, he may sometimes struggle against high pressing oppositions, a weakness that could potentially be targeted by savvy opponents.
By examining his player activity, we see his influence is situated mostly in the midfield and defensive thirds, indicative of his stabilizing and commanding presence in defense. Yet, he isn't far behind in the area of chance creation, a trait not commonly found in old-school center backs, suggesting an added layer of complexity in his playing style.
Lastly, his disciplinary record could be concerning, with a yellow card rate amongst the top quarter of his peers. This could be a point of concern for a team that relies heavily on him for bolstering their defense, as his propensity for earning cards might lead to match suspensions.
In sum, despite minor weaknesses, Nicolás Otamendi is undeniably a strong, stars-in-their-eyes stalwart of a defender who continues to perform at an astonishingly high level well into his mid-thirties. A masterclass for any young defender to observe.
