Signed in the summer from Olympique Marseille, Lucas Ocampos has turned out to be one of the revelations of the season in La Liga for Sevilla. Leading the way in Julen Lopeteguis attack, he is the teams joint-top goalscorer and has been their stand-out performer in his first few months at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjúan.
This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of Ocampos performances in Andalusia. By looking into this analysis of his tactics and statistics, we can understand the role that Ocampos plays for Sevilla, and Argentina, as he continues to improve his game and show his ability to play at the highest level after years of question marks over whether he would reach the heights once expected of him.
His position
Ocampos plays in a varied role for Sevilla. He very rarely plays in the same position or in the same role for a full 90 minutes and nor does he start games in the same role consistently. Instead, he regularly switches and swaps, going from a deeper midfield role to being part of an attacking trident or front line.
At times he can be found in a central role, but it is not a regular role for Ocampos as he usually tends to stick to the wide areas and then cut inside from the flanks as he brings the ball forward, rather than drifting into central areas when not on the ball.
One key element is how he links up with Jesús Navas on the overlap. As the ball switches sides, he will often be found alongside the front line as Navas brings the ball forwards. Ocampos will drift out wide, dragging a full-back with him and creating space for Navas to cut inside or play a one-two to create more space and freedom. With the wing-back role that Navas plays, it is an essential part of how Lopetegui looks to allow Navas the ability to get forwards without forcing Ocampos into a central role.
Between him and Navas, they have provided 152 crosses this season, more than half of Sevillas total for the season and more than three La Liga teams. With such strength down the right, Sevilla have a real weapon on their hands. When teams look to overload their left in order to prevent this attacking system, Ocampos can easily switch flank and link up similarly with Sergio Reguilón on the left.
