Ugarte bears some similarities with Mr. Frenkie de Jong, if you squint hard enough; maybe that has turned ten Hag's head? Not as flamboyant as the Dutchman, for what it's worth, or the most adventurous passer right now (think of him as someone who is mostly neat-and-tidy and deferential in his approach, with the potential to eventually mature into a high-caliber metronomic holding midfielder who is profoundly influential in the initial build-up phases), but pretty comfortable in the face of sustained pressure, possesses an above-average technical skill set, aggressive and competitive in his approach and can handle a tough defensive workload (while being an advanced reader of the game for his age), and also an effective ball-carrier from deep or central midfield (which is a valuable characteristic). To add, he comes across as a consummate team-player and has adjusted quite well to the departures of reference points like Nunes (to Wolverhampton) and Palhinha (to Fulham) in the summer...which speaks to his personality, and “leadership potential”. Dunno if he will turn into one of the best midfielders around (like fellow countryman Valverde, for example...who is one of the finest multi-purpose operators around), but I would be pleased if we sign this profile of player — at the very least, he could be hungry, team-oriented and young (yet to turn 22) addition to the squad.
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Why would Chelsea sign him when they have a similar player in Andre Santos.
On a related note, there's a separate Frenkie-esque midfielder coming through the ranks for Uruguay!
Thanks. I gather you guys are after Frenkie alternatives. Personally, I find Thiago, err, a bit inconsequential. Same goes for Frenkie, so it's not exactly a damning indictment. It's not I don't appreciate the ball-carrying and press-resistance, but I'm just the sort that thinks what he adds on top is what makes Modric 10 times the player FDJ is or ever will be. The opposite of inconsequential, basically.
I think he's progressive enough though, we do have to be wary of the role or instruction on how he's being asked to play. Your Caicedo comparison is pretty apt, the impact they both have on their team does go beyond those stats.
. Hopefully Liverpool get bumped again in Portugal He has a €60m release clause apparently.If Enzo went for 130, this lad won't go for less than 100
Another up-and-coming midfielder to keep an eye on, as a cheap understudy to Casemiro or developmental option in central midfield, is Fabricio Díaz (aggressive, all-action, versatile and technically decent with 100 appearances for Montevideo since age 17, and 23 caps for the U-20 team).
Transfermarkt: Fabricio Díaz
