Player Analysis: Richard Rios
A Thread🧵
A Thread🧵
Richard Rios has taken this summer by storm with his performances at Copa America. His performances in the US was the perfect encapsulation of the amazing form he's been in while at Palmeiras.
Richard Rios plays mainly as a defensive midfielder. He can also play as an 8, which is where he might end up long term.
His background is well documented, having been scouted as a futsal player at 19, and it shows.
His background is well documented, having been scouted as a futsal player at 19, and it shows.
Richard Rios technical ability is through the roof. The comfort he has in using his studs while dribbling/controlling the ball is remarkable(showing off his futsal background), and his overall close control is ridiculous.
He has a really impressive frame. And not only that, but he's a workaholic OOP. He's got great defensive discipline, which is in contrast to what you'd think for someone who has his skillsets on the ball.
He's an aggressive carrier of the ball. He'll drop deep to receive and make lung busting runs. When running with the ball, his physicality helps him body off people a lot.
He's also smart/aware of it as he uses his off hand a lot when driving with the ball.
He's also smart/aware of it as he uses his off hand a lot when driving with the ball.
His passing is where he can improve. He's actually a really good when focusing on long range, but overall, he's not very progressive when passing.
This again goes back to his nature. He's off the cuff. For a DM, he relies a lot on instincts, and it's refreshing.
However, it has drawbacks and that drawback comes with preferring to carry over splitting lines through passes.
However, it has drawbacks and that drawback comes with preferring to carry over splitting lines through passes.
He can get too caught up with driving with the ball and needs to learn how to be smarter on breaking the lines.
That said, his ball carrying is his strength and shouldn't be undermined. His passing just needs refinement.
That said, his ball carrying is his strength and shouldn't be undermined. His passing just needs refinement.
He's got great ballstriking technique. It's all about power with him. He doesn't take too long to wind up, which makes it extremely difficult for goalkeepers to read.
Positionally, I think he's long term going to be an #8. However, I can see him working as a more defensive minded presence in a double pivot.
His ball carrying, especially in deeper zones, is invaluable and his workrate OOP is something that most will love.
His ball carrying, especially in deeper zones, is invaluable and his workrate OOP is something that most will love.
The reason I'd prefer as an #8 though is because of that tendency to overcommit when dribbling, his potency when closer to goal, and his playstyle being so off the cuff.
Rios is a throwback, and a refreshing one at that. I'd say with proper coaching, he can be a top 6/8 or a hybrid.
He might be lined up for a move in the near future. While I'd think a move to the Premier League is premature, a move to Serie A, Portugal, or France would be great.
He might be lined up for a move in the near future. While I'd think a move to the Premier League is premature, a move to Serie A, Portugal, or France would be great.
I'd say Torino would be a great landing spot if they lose Ilic. In Ligue 1, I'd say Lyon would be great as he'd be great competition for the likes of Tolisso and Matic.
And if Joao Neves leaves Benfica, I could see him going to the Portuguese giants and filling his shoes nicely.
And if Joao Neves leaves Benfica, I could see him going to the Portuguese giants and filling his shoes nicely.
In the end, Richard Rios will be a great addition to any squad he goes. Hope to see him in Europe soon.
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