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Analysis: Ricky Alvarez- What Could We Be Getting?

Discussion in 'Sunderland' started by Brian Storm, Sep 3, 2014.

  1. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    This week our analysis will focus on our deadline day signing Ricky Alvavez. Is he the surprise Gus spoke of? He didn't say it would be a pleasant surprise, not that this is particularly unpleasant, more meh due to the lack of knowledge.

    First let me say this is only a general guide to give an idea of what he could bring. There are things you should to take into account yourself in order to form an opinion, things like, he's been playing in a better side, different league and lack of Premier League experience. It's a about time we had a signing fly out of the box but that doesn't seem to be the Sunderland way so personally I'm bracing myself for some Giacc-like slow introduction from the bench, so not to build my hopes up.

    Versatility

    Lets start with the subject that seems to be causing the most confusion, What position does he play in? Ricky is a very versatile player. In his last two seasons in Serie A of the 52 league games he's played a part in the following 6 positions.

    Ss-24 times
    Cm-13 times
    Am-8 times
    Lw- 5 times
    Cf-1 time
    Rw-1 time


    It's worth noting that in the 13/14 season he played wide just once with the rest of his appearances coming in those top three central positions.

    Weaknesses

    According to Whoscored.com Alvarez has no weakness, if I've found to be a falsity, from trawling the Internazionale forums there two weakness called into question constantly. They would be a lack of pace and being very one footed something we're all to familiar with Adam Johnson.

    These to weakness are reiterated by Mike (@Don_Nerazzurri) from the Inter site Nerazzurri World

    His physical strength has also been called into question in the past, however the consensus amongst Inter fans is that it's an area of his game he's worked hard on and is much improved, improved enough to cope with the physicality of the Premier League remains to be seen.


    The following statistics are taken from the 2013/2014 season.


    Centre Midfield/Attacking Midfield/Support Striker

    The spot along side Rodwell could be where Gus fancies him at, with our 433 system we tend not to put anybody behind our main striker until tactical changes kick in late in games, a role often taken by Giaccherini. It's highly likely Giacc will see much more game time this season in the inside left position, if Alvarez is to be bled in slowly then it could open a Support Striker's role for him. So lets focus on what he could bring to the central role. Passing ability, the ultimate attribute required to play down the middle in a Poyet team I've compared him to our main CM's from last season leaving out Lee Cattermole and Liam Bridcutt of obvious reasons.

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    Inside/Outside Left and Inside/Outside Right

    Any of the wide births is also an option to Gus, despite the lack if pace Alvarez does like to run at and beat a man making it a viable option for Poyet, here's how he compares to our main wide men from last season on Take ons.

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    It's worth noting that Ricky is just as capable and willing to take players on down the centre of the pitch, a skill he could and will apply down the middle, something we've lacked since Sess left the club

    Creativity

    Now we're talking turkey. Gus has overstated his desire to install more creativity this summer. Here we compare all the players featured so far as everyone from our midfield and wide area are charged with the responsibility to provide.

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    So there we have it. A light guide to what we could expect from our deadline day signing. Are we still underwhelmed? Are you worried about his potential weakness and lack of Premier League experience? Where do you see him fitting into the system? Do you think he's the right sort of player who could fit into Poyet's long term ambition of playing a 352? ​
     
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  2. Tickler

    Tickler Well-Known Member

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    Just checked whoscored and various other outlets mate on Alvarez and posted them on the Alvarez and WOW signing thread haha
     
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  3. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    He's got potential but not without his flaws.

    He could finally be Sessègnon's replacement.
     
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  4. Tickler

    Tickler Well-Known Member

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    http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/108...ie-A-2013-2014

    Basically lists the top players last season in Serie a based on various stats with our new boy Ricky coming 14th in the entire league...(bearing in mind Juventus/AC/Inter/Roma/Fiorentina/Napoli)

    Also looking into the player closer...http://www.whoscored.com/Players/41489

    + Strengths
    Dribbling - Very Strong
    Defensive contribution - Very Strong
    Holding on to the ball - Strong
    Key passes - Strong
    Taking set-pieces - Strong
    Tackling - Strong

    - Weaknesses
    (Player has no significant weaknesses)

    Ricardo Álvarez's Style of Play
    Likes to dribble
    Likes to cut inside
    Likes to play short passes

    In 56 games (27 of which were sub appearances) he has managed 13 goals and 14 assists and his passing accuracy tends to average around 88%

    teamtalk.com also wrote this:

    Meanwhile, Sunderland's capture of Argentine international Ricardo Alvarez - a loan with an option to buy from Inter - was another of the more eye-catching on Monday.

    The Black Cats are one of very few that seem willing to test the Serie A waters of Premier League clubs but have acquired a player of quality in the 26-year-old. 'Very strong' at dribbling according to WhoScored's characteristics - they don't call him 'Tricky Ricky' for nothing!

    Only four players completed more dribbles per game in Serie A last season (2.7), but Alvarez isn't just a luxury player. The other area in which the versatile midfielder is deemed 'very strong' is in defensive contribution, with Alvarez averaging 2.5 tackles per game from a predominantly advanced position last season.

    Meanwhile, no Inter player made as many assists (8) so his availability may have surprised some and it was a shrewd move on Sunderland's part to inquire for his services.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thats what I found mate, sounds better than Sess in terms of goals/assists

    Would also appear he contributes defensively a lot more as well
     
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  5. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    Aye, read them during my research.

    I don't really trust whoscored, he does have massive flaws they've completely failed to pick up on. I read about him being good at tracking back defensively but focused on the attacking/creativity side as it's what he's been brought in for. Big thing is for me is that it's very different leagues. Shevchenko pissed on the Italian league but was lost over here, Crespo another. Giacc struggled with the physicality so needed a full season. Very much a time will tell signing for me but it's good to know his capabilities all the same.
     
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  6. ooskoosk

    ooskoosk Member

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    Could be a good signing.

    Confidence will play a big part so I think him getting off to a good start is really important. I just worry that our strikers will not be on the same wave length as him.
     
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  7. Nordic

    Nordic Well-Known Member

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    Oh Ricky you're so fine,
    you're so fine you blow my mind
    Hey Ricky, Hey Ricky.......

    Is what we'll all be singing. For someone deemed slow, he doesn't half seem able to glide past players whilst dribbling his way through the flanks and/or centre.

    An attack minded Giacc, Ricky and AJ playing off/into one of Connor, Fletch or Jozy could be very good indeed.

    Mavrias and Buckley offer more orthodox wide players so we can consider mixing it up.
     
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  8. Tickler

    Tickler Well-Known Member

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    http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/9/3/6101037/giancarlo-rinaldi-q-a-all-about-alvarez

    What are Alvarez’s strongest attributes?

    Giancarlo: I’d say his directness and dribbling were his greatest strengths. He likes to take players on and can spread panic through most defences with that approach.

    Does he have any major weaknesses? Which parts of his game must he improve upon?

    Giancarlo: The biggest failing I have seen when watching him play is that he can drift out of games. If he could improve his focus for the full 90 minutes I reckon he could have an even bigger impact.

    How important has he been to Inter over the last three years? Were you surprised they let him go?

    Giancarlo: I think it would be fair to say he had his ups and downs at Inter. He could be a match-winner on occasions, but at other times failed to make a major contribution. I think the Nerazzurri are keen to start a new era, so I wasn’t entirely surprised to see him move on although I still think he had more to offer the club.

    Do you believe Alvarez has the capabilities to adapt to English football?

    Giancarlo: I have to admit I have my reservations about that. He will enjoy a bit more space and less attention to defensive duties but he might find the physical demands a little tougher. However, if he gets the attitude right there is little doubt he has the skills to do well in England.

    We hear that he can perform various attacking roles for the team. What’s his best position in your opinion?

    Giancarlo: I like him best playing behind at least one out-and-out striker. Inter used him in midfield at times, but I always felt he could give more a little further forward and, ideally, with a couple of front-men clearing a path for him to run through on goal or deliver assists to.

    Should he score more frequently than he has done in Italy? His Serie A record with Inter works out at about one goal every six-and-a-half games.

    Giancarlo: There have been a few signs of improvement in that regard, but I don’t think he is ever going to be a truly prolific goalscorer from his position. He could deliver a bit more in front of goal - I reckon that if he could hit double figures in a league season it would be about the absolute ceiling of his capabilities.

    Will he be a big miss at Inter this season following his departure?

    Giancarlo: I think Inter have decided to pursue other options and I can’t imagine many will miss him a great deal. However, if the odd game is going against them, then they might look back and wish they had him on the bench to try to turn things in their favour.

    The loan deal is reportedly costing the club £800,000, with an option to buy for a further £8.5m at the end of the campaign. Does that represent good value in your eyes?

    Giancarlo: It is probably a bit of a gamble on a player who has never quite delivered on the potential he has shown. Having said that, if he can start to produce the goods with any level of consistency then it could be something of a steal. At least the loan deal allows the club to try before they buy.

    Overall, what do you feel he can bring to Sunderland this season?

    Giancarlo: I know Sunderland fans have had some tough times recently and I’m not sure Alvarez is the man to turn the team around single-handedly. But if they have got the rest of the team right he could definitely be a very exciting addition to the side. In full flow and when running at opposition defenders he is a real joy to watch and a truly entertaining player. At the very least he will surely produce a few moments of skill to brighten up a grey Saturday afternoon.
     
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  9. Shameless

    Shameless Well hung member

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    In this era of Premiership stint, I've seen some real ****ing donkeys out there in a red-and-white shirt and a team that lacks creativity to do something a bit extra and cause havoc. (and neither Jones or Sess on their own can make a team not)

    With Rodwell, Giacherini, Johnson and now this guy we might have a team that could even help Jozy score - gan on Capt America <ok>
     
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  10. SC SAFC

    SC SAFC Well-Known Member

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    Kin hell lad!! You put bbs, echo, safc, roker report etc to shame.....

    Start a website put some ads on it and make some money with this!

    TOP DRAW
     
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  11. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    It's nowt fella, anyone can do it. All the info is there, just a case of gathering it together. I've only ever seen the lad play once against spurs. I know naff all about him <laugh> Without sources like Opta i'd be screwed. Thanks anyway fella, appreciated. :)
     
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  12. Smug in Boots

    Smug in Boots Well-Known Member

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    That's where you're wrong ........ your love of Sunderland reminds me of the days when SAFC was everything to the supporters.

    Too many people, these days, want to criticise the club to make themselves feel good.
     
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  13. SC SAFC

    SC SAFC Well-Known Member

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    I reckon u could make a tidy bit of coin from it, ( im shocking at it and i do alright, i write about absolutely anything (todays topic is yeast infections hahah) ) . If you ever fancy doing it , gives us a shout and ill help as much as i can.

    And as Smug says you can feel the love
     
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  14. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    It still is to a large extent, certainly more here then a lot of clubs. This forum is proof, chock-a-block with fanatics on here, love it. The older lads like yourself, Raw, Joe, Pops, Sandy, Welder, Cest and all the other fellas who's ages I can't remember, there's so many of you here, all still with real passion in the blood. I mean the game has changed a lot for me and I'm only in my early 30s, to you lads the game must be unrecognisable, and that's the real testament, to withstand so much change and on pitch misery and still be as in love with the club as you've ever been. I'll count myself blessed if in 20-30 years time if I still love the club like you older fella's do, it means I'll have got the best out of the time devoted to the club and it's people, regardless of results on the pitch. Glorious club with glorious fans. Best not mention the very few who spoil it, they don't even know they're born mate.
     
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  15. Smug in Boots

    Smug in Boots Well-Known Member

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    My family, the Scotts, are Reivers who are fanatical people and can't abide apathy.

    Because I'm wild I have very few 'constants' in my life ....... SAFC has sustained me for 50 years.

    The Sunderland supporters are a class above and have been for donkey's.

    The only tears I shed, at Wembley, were for the Sunderland pensioners who may have had their last chance of glory.
     
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  16. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    Cheers fella. Not sure I could like. I'll keep it in mind thank you. :)
     
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  17. Brian Storm

    Brian Storm Well-Known Member

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    It's been the only constant in my life too fella, though it was touch and go at one point, and for those reasons you mentioned.

    I lost me Da in 99, though he saw the the opening season at the sol he never took his seat for the seasons we finished 7th, so sad. He was at the 73 cup final so seen more glory than I, but he never got to see us evolve into a premiership club. :(
     
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  18. Nads

    Nads Well-Known Member

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    All sounds very promising, I have to say.

    Looking forward to seeing the lad. Rickyyyyyyyyyy
     
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