Thiago Almada – Velez Sarsfield’s gem
Many Argentine youngsters would wish to hold court with the legendary, Juan Roman Riquelme but for Thiago Almada, born and bred in Fuerte Apache like another Boca Juniors legend Carlos Tevez, this became a reality. After Almada told the media that he idolised Riquelme, the Argentine great invited Almada to his son’s birthday party as the two footballers had mutual acquaintances. There, Riquelme imparted some crucial advice that he had given other young Argentine footballers who had the pleasure and privilege of being in his presence.
" You have to always ask for the ball at your feet and try to get all your teammates to give it to you, " Riquelme to the Velez youngster who is 23 years his junior according to Argentine news outlet, Ole.
Almada nodded whenever Riquelme spoke as he marvelled at the small-town simplicity of a player who is a mega-star in Argentina. Riquelme also advised the youngster to improve his physical strength as the older Argentine had failed to do so throughout his career. Almada is one of nine players who has been given their debut by Gabriel Heinze as the young manager has utilised the 18-year-old in many positions. Almada has played on the left wing, as a second striker, attacking midfielder, fullback and deeper-lying midfielder. He has built a wide array of skills, especially in possession of the ball and helping Velez progress play.
With Velez’ automatisms, especially Braian Cufre moving from left-back into the six space, Almada will move into the left-back position. In this position, his distribution becomes key in receiving possession, dribbling into the centre and switching play to the opposite flank. As a right-footed player on the left-flank, he thrives in cutting back onto his stronger foot to dribble into the centre and create passing angles or switching the ball. Almada is lithe and short in stature as he utilises his ability to cut past his man with his low centre of gravity and use his turn of pace to leave players in his wake.
Almada is not just influential in the deeper areas but he can play on the left or right wing as he has a knack for sending looping crosses to teammates in the six-yard area. On the left flank, he can receive the ball and cut back to the outside of his right boot to deliver a cross into the box. On the right flank, he is able to work crosses at a much quicker rate, taking a touch, not needing to cut back or adjust his body but deliver crosses with his first or second touch. Being involved in the deeper areas, allows Almada to take on Riquelme’s advice by demanding the ball at earlier phases of play and having a greater influence on his team’s game.
At home to Colon, he received the ball when he pushed up from the right-back spot, driving into the opposition half where he gesticulated for the striker to remain in the nine space as he traded passes with the striker before receiving a pass with his left foot and working a pass to the left wing for a winger to cut in and have a shot. Almada has played in midfield and as a second striker as he has shown a willingness to receive the ball in the centre and work connections with teammates to create opportunities in the final third. At home to Godoy Cruz, he received a pass with his right foot in the pockets after finding space with intelligent blind-sided movements before poking a pass to a teammate and receiving the ball with his left foot and shifting to his right as he worked another connection before playing a pass to the left wing for a cut back.
His ability to receive the ball with both feet makes him incredible at receiving the ball and turning in tight spaces. Almada’s brilliance as a player that can unlock low blocks from the deeper areas or in between the lines is second to his ability as a counter-attacking conduit with his pace and directness on the break as well as his decision making in the final third. He makes intelligent runs into space to receive possession as he can drive into space before spreading play into the wide areas for teammates. He will normally continue his runs into the box for through ball or crossing opportunities. His bursts of pace and speed allow him to create counters and drag defenders out of position to create space for his teammates.
However, he will need to improve his shooting as when he gets into space inside the box, his shooting can be very erratic. Away to Arsenal de Sarandi, he received possession, deciding to dribble the keeper before manoeuvring his way out of bounds instead of taking the shot. There have been other situations where his shots have been too weak while he is best when he receives the ball at the far post, having the opportunity to cut past his man and curl a shot into the goal. With the opportunities available on the break and his ability to dribble into shooting situations, he will need to improve his shooting ability to fully take advantage of the opportunities he has.
Almada has played as an attacking midfielder and a second striker so he has worked in systems where has pressing responsibilities in leading the pressure phase. He loves to engage in sliding challenges to regain possession in the opposition half. The 18-year-old who was given the sobriquet ‘La Joya’ or the Jewel of Velez will charge at defenders in the first phase of pressure while also cutting out passing lanes. Gabriel Heinze playing him in a few different roles has allowed him to be a more complete player than most of his peers at such a young age.
“That player has a desire. The only thing that makes me think, and I think about it for a little while, is that he's 17 years old. But what he's giving me here. When I go, I feel calm, I say: 'Ah 17 years old' But later, I say: 'How can I not put him in if he is good,” said Heinze to Ole upon giving Almada his debut as a 17-year-old.
Almada has been the subject of a lot of interest since his debut with Velez Sarsfield as he reportedly has a €16 million release clause. Pep Guardiola and Manchester City were said to be interested with the prospect of loaning him out to Sporting Gijon. He will be subject of heavy interest in the summer and could get his move but Almada has his feet firmly placed on the ground. He is looking to be key cog for the Argentine U23 side which will participate in next year’s Olympics as his dream is to play in the Argentine Seleccion with Lionel Messi.
