Call it the FIFA World Cup winners’ effect, but after Argentina’s third title win, there has been an increased interest in players from the Argentinian league. First, there is Boca Juniors’ left-back Valentín Barco, and then there is the Argentine-born Italian striker Mateo Retegui. However, recently another name has been doing the rounds. While Argentinos Juniors are currently 11th in the Argentinian league, their 20-year-old defensive midfielder Federico Redondo has caught the eye with his good performances.
Son of former Real Madrid, and AC Milan player Fernando Redondo, Federico was born in a family of professional footballers with his brother Fernando Redondo Solari playing for Tigre, maternal grandfather Jorge Solari an Argentina international and his uncles Esteban Solari and Eduardo Solari also professional footballers.
Federico is following in the footsteps of his father, playing the same defensive midfield position. However, he still has a long way to go before he can emulate Fernando Redondo’s career, but the initial signs are promising. So, who is Federico Redondo, and how good is he?
Who is Federico Redondo
Born on January 18, 2003, in Madrid, Spain, Federico Redondo started his footballing career in Argentina with Argentinos Juniors, where he spent his entire youth career before being promoted to the senior team. After spending years in the youth set-up, Redondo made his first appearance for the first team on July 11, 2022, against Tigre, where his brother Fernando plays.
This came seven months after he had signed his first professional contract after turning 18. In his first season, he played 426 minutes across 13 games. While he played sporadically, he posted some good stats. Redondo averaged 77.7 per cent passing accuracy. He also contested 75 duels, winning 35 out of them. His dribbling numbers were even more impressive, winning 66.7 per cent of them, a good number for a player in his debut season.
While he didn’t offer any meaningful contribution in the attack taking only five shots (none of which were on target) and creating two chances, in defence, he made 22 tackles and six interceptions.
Federico Redondo stats
And his stats have taken a massive jump in the current season, with the midfielder making 14 appearances in the league, three in Copa Libertadores, and one in the Copa Argentina. Redondo would score his first goal in a 4-1 loss against Gimnasia.
The 20-year-old has improved his passing percentage of 86..8, one of the best on his teams. According to Soccerment, he has won more than half of his duels, aerial or on the ground. Redondo has also been brilliant at dribbling, with a success ratio of more than 52 per cent.
The midfielder has also made the fourth most passes of any player on the team. He also has been sent off in the season. However, a call-up to the Argentina under-20 squad for the 2023 World Cup meant that he missed the last few games of the season. Redondo made full use of the opportunity with a brilliant display against New Zealand, where he made the most touches, passes, successful passes and long balls, earning the Man of the Match award. Argentina were knocked out of the tournament by Nigeria in the round of 16.
Federico Redondo vs New Zealand
🔹1st in touches [146]
🔹1st in successful passes [129]
🔹most passes (130/139) and long balls made (6/7)
🔹2nd in passing effectiveness [94%]
🔹2nd in successful long passes [6/7]
🔹3rd in chances created [3]
[@futbolscan]https://t.co/BIGOHJbEfI— Albiceleste News 🏆 (@AlbicelesteNews) May 27, 2023
Federico Redondo scout report
Likened to Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo is a player that loves to operate in the space in the middle half of the pitch. However, he is a more defensive version of the Barcelona legend who just loves physically dominating the opposition. Having a 1.88-metre frame combined with his physique helps him to win tackles regularly.
There are several players who can do that, but where Redondo enters an elite league is his composure on the ball. Redondo may not be the most eye-catching passer, but he is an expert at playing those line-breaking passes. In addition, his robust physical features make it hard for the opposition to dispossess him off the ball without fouling him. And he uses this to hold the ball for a long time, during which he uses his impeccable vision to look for the best passing options.
However, just because he is brilliant at defending doesn’t mean it is the only arsenal he has. The midfielder also is brilliant at high pressing and closing down passing lanes, characteristics eerily similar to that of Busquets.
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Federico Redondo transfer news
With his impressive displays, Redondo is already being scouted by some of the top clubs across the Atlantic. While there are no credible reports, Barcelona are reported to be interested, given that Busquets has now officially retired, and Redondo is the closest in playing style to the Spaniard.
However, for now, Redondo should focus on improving his game and ensure that he is ready for the big leagues whenever he does makes the move.