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Scouted: Argentine stopper Nicolas Otamendi
Thursday, 16 July 2009 12:30 Rating
The next in the long line of fine Argentinian centre halves, Otamendi has been likened to legendary defender Roberto Ayala and his emergence this season has excited scouts and observers alike. A bright future at one of Europe's top teams and in the Argentinian national side is surely beckons for the talented young stopper.
Already linked with several of Italy's top sides, including Inter and AC Milan, Otamendi could represent a shrewd but worthy investment for any top Premier League side currently looking at defensive recruits, and that list includes the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa.
FourFourTwo contributor Martin Mazur evaluates the Argentinian defender to see why everyone is getting so excited...
Nicolas Otamendi
Age 21
Position Centre-back
Nationality Argentinian
Club Velez Sarsfield
Argentina might be a country where playmakers and strikers pop up like daisies, yet from time to time, defenders can catch the eye, too. Ten years ago, it was Walter Samuel. Now, it’s 21-year-old centre-back, Nicolas Otamendi, who’s so far been a revelation during his fledgling career.
The young stopper made his full debut this season as a replacement for the injured Chilean Waldo Ponce, but his mature performances have meant that he’s since been ever-present in the first team. Not that any of this has gone to his head: he still lives in his humble family home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, and takes the bus to training.
His main strength is, well, his strength – until a couple of years ago, he was a keen boxer. Other key qualities include anticipation, tackling, speed and concentration, all of which have quickly transformed Otamendi into a key player for Velez. “He plays like a veteran. In centre-backs, cases like this are very rare,” said manager Ricardo Gareca. “You watch him on the pitch and he gives you the idea that will eat up the opponent striker in every ball,” added football director Christian Bassedas.
Diego Maradona has admitted that it’s only a matter time before the commanding ‘numero seis’ is a regular for the national team. By then, of course, he should be playing for one of Europe’s elite.
Talentspotter ratings:
Overall rating 8
Heading - 8
Crossing - 5
Tackling - 9
Creativity - 5
Passing - 7
Work-rate - 9
Pace - 9
Shooting - 4
Dribbling – 5 |
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