Guadalajara's good start has been due, in part, to good individual performance, which subsequently has had an impact on the team as a whole, which is why today we'll talk about one of the most outstanding elements of the Rebaño throughout the CL23.
We are talking about Roberto Alvarado, who has become one of Chivas' most important players. Despite not having scored goals yet, he has influenced all phases of the game.
First, here we share with you the most outstanding numbers of 'Piojo' in the Clausura 2023:
- 9 matches played
- 8 games as a starter
- 3 assists
- 3 great chances created
- Averages 1.7 key passes per game
- Averages 56.4 touches per game
- Averages 2.2 dribbles completed per game
What does he bring to Pauno's team?
Alvarado has been used in a variety of roles this season. He started as a winger on both flanks, but due to the absence of Beltrán, he had to play as an inside player. Against Pumas he even had minutes as a false 9, one of the roles where he has the most influence due to his invasiveness in the areas where he plays.
It would be a mistake to limit him to just one role, when he has shown that he can play in any area where he can benefit the team with his striking, individual technique and dribbling.
He is one of the fixed tactical collectors for the Chiverío. We don't need to go that far to see his impact in this area, as against Santos he was the one who provided the assist for Guzmán.
In the same match against Los Laguneros, Alvarado was vital in phases without the ball. Firstly, he acted as a standard bearer in pressuring the ball, either by blocking passing lanes or jumping over the ball holder. He also ran quite a few meters on the left flank, as he closely followed 'El Dedos' López.
Paunovic's wild card
His adaptability comes from his multiple footballing gifts. He is capable of playing anywhere because his technical and interpretative skills allow him to do so. He can receive on the inside even if he is under pressure, because his controls and his turn support him, he can start from the opposite flank because when he hooks inside, the ball is on his profile and he can kick or shoot. If he plays natural profile, he is good at attacking the far post or sending balls into the box.
For all these reasons, 'Piojo' has become the Rebaño Sagrado's wild card.
