NICO CASTILLO: SCOUT REPORT

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The transfer window in the ISL is well underway and rumors grow apace. One of the recent rumors, is about a possible move for a forward, Nico Castillo by Chennaiyin FC. In this piece, we will be looking at what he can offer to the side.


Player Profile:

Nico Castillo has quite an impressive CV. Having played at the top flight for almost a decade, the Chilean's playing time spreads across clubs such as Club Brugge in Belgium, Benfica in Portugal and with Mainz in Germany among others. He has netted in over 66 goals at club level.

He has also featured on the international stage ,prominently in the Copa America Final where he scored the second spot kick in the penalty shootout, which Chile won over current World Cup winners Argentina.

His playing time, however, has been extremely scarce over the past 2 years with just 4 appearances. This is mainly due to the fact that he was diagnosed with thrombosis- a cardio issue. 


Stat Comparison:

I thought it would be better to compare the stats I could find of Castillo with Chennaiyin FC's current forward, Petar Sliskovic. 

In the below visualizations, I compare Sliskovic's current season with Castillo's 18/19 season. 



Castillo seems to be someone who is not afraid to take on shots . Of course, the team's playing style comes into the picture but Brdaric wouldn't mind an attacker who can trouble the opponents with more shots. Chennaiyin FC ranks only 7th in the shots taken per 90 minutes. So bringing in someone who can offer that metric is maybe desired.







Sliskovic is having a fine season in front of goal this season, being the club's joint top scorer. Castillo's numbers in the past aren't too shabby either.






Another area where Castillo can offer an edge is the passing. Sliskovic's primary trait comes from being an aerial threat in the box with almost all of his goals coming from headers. Castillo can offer something different with more passing and more shots .



PROS:

  • Good progressive movement inside the pitch 
  • Better passing stats
  • Possible Free Kick taker

CONS: 

  • Fitness- With Castillo not gaining any first team minutes over the past year, regaining fitness is a crucial block
  • Low aerial prowess


With Karikari's game time limited due to fitness concerns, Chennaiyin FC wouldn't mind a new signing upfront to compete with Sliskovic's minutes as the Croatian has played almost every game for the Blues. Lack of playing time in recent years makes Castillo a slightly risky bet, but given his experience over the years, he could be a good solution as the club aims to finish in the playoff places, come the end of February. 
    

  

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