Chris Forero continues his guide to Colombia’s World Cup prospects with a look at Jose Pekerman’s midfield.
Overall Midfield Strategy
After a slow start by prior manager Leonel Alvarez in 2011, Jose Pekerman changed the tactics in the midfield and found the right mix of players that all complement one another which led to an eventual second place finish in the CONMEBOL South American qualifiers and a top 5 FIFA world ranking.
Defensive Midfielders
Carlos Sanchez and Abel Aguilar
Over the past few years, the trend in football has tended towards a two-man defensive midfield partnership. France had Claude Makalele and Patrick Vieira for the 2006 World Cup while Spain has reigned supreme with Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets working together. This past summer, Brazil won the Confederations Cup largely due to the partnership of Paulinho and Luis Gustavo.
Pekerman has been able to test various partnerships over the past two years based on various opponents and availability. Throughout the qualifiers, Colombia frequently used Carlos Sanchez and Abel Aguilar.
Between the two, Sanchez played the role of the ball winner and can be viewed as the “fifth defender,” while Aguilar was the box-to-box man and served more as a link from the defense to the attack. Think of Aguilar like Gilberto Silva who played a similar role for Brazil for many years in the 2000s.
Other midfielders who have seen playing time during the qualifiers and friendlies include Edwin Valencia, Aldo Ramirez and Alex Mejia. Ramirez, the most versatile of the three, can play box-to-box and as a secondary playmaker. His performance in the 0-0 draw against Argentina in June 2013 proved he could keep up with the world’s best. Mejia on the other hand, is more defensive and has been used primarily as a substitute to provide additional defense.
Edwin Valencia has been an interesting case. Shortly after Pekerman’s arrival, Valencia and Aguilar were paired up in crucial qualifiers against Uruguay and Chile in September 2012. Colombia emerged victorious and won 4-0 over Uruguay and 3-1 over Chile. These two victories put Colombia back in the mix as a real contender.
Many fans would prefer Valencia to Sanchez in the ball-winner role, but injuries and match fitness at Fluminense have prevented Pekerman to call him up more frequently. His only appearances in 2013 were in both qualifiers in March 2013 and a brief substitute appearance against Holland in the November 2013 friendly.
Attacking Midfielders
The key behind Colombia’s attack has primarily been from the playmaking ability of James Rodriguez. At 22 years old, the left mid / winger already has 20 caps and was the most featured offensive player during the qualifiers playing in 15 of 16 matches.
James Rodriguez
Many of Colombia’s goals originated from his passes, free kicks and his awareness on the pitch. Between his footwork with the ball and vision on the pitch, his style of play can be compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo, before his goal scoring really exploded.
In addition to Rodriguez, Pekerman has been able to utilize several players to complement the youngster. Throughout the qualifiers, Pekerman successfully relied upon Macnelly Torres in a secondary playmaking role. Torres’ skill set meshed well with Rodriguez such that he played in a deeper attacking role and focused more on quick passes and possession.
While the jury may be out on Torres’ ability to shine in the World Cup, there are a few others who will be ready to step in when called upon.
One option that will serve as either an explosive super-sub or occasional starter is Juan Cuadrado. Originally a right back, the Fiorentina winger likes to take the game into his own hands and is the kind of player who always wants to the ball and is not afraid to take on multiple defenders at one time. His pace and numerous touches will be seen as the World Cup goes further along as the opposition wears down.
Juan Quintero
Another player who has been surprisingly on the sidelines for much of Colombia’s success has been Fredy Guarin. Despite his depth of European experience in France, Portugal and now Italy, Pekerman has used Guarin sparingly. Guarin is the complete midfielder such that he can play defense when necessary, score from distance from either a set piece or a long range shot mid-play and has good vision on the field. Expect to see Guarin step up in games where Colombia is struggling offensively.
One player to look out for in the future is 21-year old Porto playmaker Juan Quintero. While his playing time at Porto has been limited due to injuries early on this season, Quintero will hopefully be a part of the roster for the World Cup. Unless Quintero’s playing time and form sky rocket over the next few months at Porto, Quintero will most likely get limited opportunities during the World Cup. After the World Cup, Quintero and Rodriguez will likely form a long-lasting partnership.
World Cup Assessment
Depending on the opponent, expect to see Carlos Sanchez and Abel Aguilar in the holding role (maybe Valencia could replace Sanchez if his fitness is there by June) and Rodriguez paired up with Macnelly Torres in the attacking role. Cuadrado and Guarin will most likely see ample playing time as both players have more experience against European sides than Torres and look for Ramirez and Mejia to get strategic minutes in order to preserve potential victories.
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