New To The Stage: Analyzing 3 Young CONCACAF Midfielders In Their First Copa America – Tactical Analysis

The Copa America is just around the corner and this latest edition of the tournament brings a unique feature.

With the competition being held in the United States, the USMNT and five other CONCACAF representatives will feature in this year’s edition.

This will give an uncommon opportunity for the stars of North American football to demonstrate their credentials in one of the most prestigious international tournaments.

In this scout report, we will provide an analysis of three up-and-coming midfielders from the CONCACAF nations who could potentially be vital if their nation has a chance of progressing through the latter stages of the competition.

This tactical analysis will highlight the strengths and weaknesses that all three players demonstrated this season at club level and what role they may have in their respective nations tactics in the tournament.

Johnny Cardoso  United States

Born in New Jersey, Cardoso’s football development occurred in his parent’s native Brazil.

A product of the Internacional youth academy, the 22 year old went on to make over 100 first team appearances for the Porto Alegre club.

In January, Cardoso made the move to Europe and is now plying his trade at Andalucian club Real Betis in La Liga.

In Betis’s 4-2-3-1, Cardoso has been deployed as a holding midfielder in a double pivot.

This role has allowed for his strengths to be best utilised.

Cardoso’s key attribute is his ability to defend 1v1.

He has won 71.6% of his defensive duels in La Liga, the second-highest by any midfielder in the division.

This is best displayed during the defensive transition, where he is always quick to react to his team losing the ball.

In this example, we see Cardoso quickly pressing the opponent who is receiving the opposition’s first pass since they have regained possession.

Cardoso