Scouting footballers is a tough job.
This is why Juan Gafas skips a week from now and then. But that’s ok, as he always returns with an eye-opening talent. Please meet the first Chilean in BabaScouted history.
Tomás Alarcón
Age: 21
Club: O'Higgins (Chile)
Position: Centre Midfielder, Centre Back
Nationality: Chilean
Market Value: 850.000 € (Transfermarkt)
Alarcón performance in the games I have watched him was somewhat inconsistent, but the one thing I really liked about him, which was always there, was his character. He is relentless when trying to dispossessed opponents, aggressive, and never say die mentality combined with excellent stamina. As much as I can see from videos, he appears to be a leader on the pitch.
He is an asset when defending, either when sitting at the back or when facing transitions. Although he is not the biggest of players, and over distance can be outrun, his positioning and reading of the game make him very effective when defending in transition too.
He also has good skills in possession; he can carry the ball forward or hold on to it under pressure, has decent technical skills and agility, and can read ahead of time where the trouble is coming from. He does not step too often inside the opponent’s box unless it is a set-piece situation, but his wide range of passing is something the opposition defence needs to worry about.
Alarcón is often compared with Gary Medel; no one can deny the physical resemblance. Neither the similarities in the ability to play as a centre back (and probably as a full-back). I believe the youngster has the skills and character to follow one of his idols' footsteps, becoming a regular member of the national team, where he already made his debut and playing in the top leagues of Europe.
Photo via Tomás Alarcón official Instagram account.
