Name: Manuel Ugarte
DOB: 11.4.2001
Club: Sporting CP
Position: Midfield
Profile
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay. Ugarte began his youth career joining local club City Park in 2005 before joining Fénix youth academy, as it was clear he had something. It was obvious Ugarte felt at home at Fénix, rising through the ranks very impressively and taking each step up comfortably. Even aged early teens, Ugarte was beginning to become the talk of the country. At just 15-years-old, Ugarte was promoted to Fénix first team and made his debut on 4 December 2016, replacing Agustín Canobbio in the 83rd minute in a 4–1 league win against Danubio. In doing so, he became the youngest ever player in the 21st century to play professionally in Uruguay (aged 15 years and 233 days).
He went on to become a first team regular at just 16-years-old and under Juan Ramón Carrasco, Ugarte was named club captain at age of 18. Urgate had the world at his feet at this point and Fénix knew it wouldn’t be too long until Europe came calling and that club was Famalicão, Portugal who signed the teen for €3 million for 80% of his economic rights. Under manager Ivo Vieira, as his versatility enabled him to play in various positions in midfield, which was found useful by his coach, as Famalicão narrowly missed on European qualification to the UECL.
His one terrific season with Famalicão caught the eyes of LigaPortugal giants Sporting CP, Ugarte signed a five-year contract with Sporting CP of the same league, for a fee of €6.5 million for half of his economic rights. He’s instantly became a hit with SCP and beginning to become as one of the sought of midfielders in football. Urgate represented Uruguay at all youth ages and was named in Uruguay senior team's 35-man preliminary squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup, which I’m personally stunned he wasn’t a regular starter, his time will come.
Style of Play
Urgate stands at 6 foot and plays as a defensive midfielder but many don’t know about his versatility, capable of playing in different roles and systems. With a engine to last, brilliant awareness, physique, athleticism, work rate and distribution It’s clear why he can function in many roles. Fascinatingly, Ugarte began his career as a striker until he moved further back half way through his youth career with Fénix.
What stands out the most is his mind-blowing natural stamina, excellent work rate and outstanding passing credentials. Ugarte does most of his work centrally but you’ll notice him covering every blade of grass across the 90 minutes. Ugarte is very intelligent, he reads the game well which helps snuff out any dangerous attacks. Very much a proactive defender, Ugarte is outstanding at closing out the half spaces (between the lines) and intercepting passes. He’s almost never too late and times his runs immaculate, this prevents the opposition turning away and decided on a alternative pass.
Ugarte is a master at Spotting runs of forwards & has the agility to sharply explode away like a dart to almost surprise the opposition. To but this into context, Ugarte averages a phenomenal 9.44 ball recoveries which sits him amongst 99 percentile and 3 interceptions, this time inside 97 percentile. A major part of Ugarte’s game is picking up lose balls, he shows fantastic acceleration and anticipation to determinedly get to the ball first. In the occasion there’s a battle to be won, no better to have Ugarte in there, he has terrific aggression to fight and a desire to win at all cost for loose balls. One of Ugarte best defensive qualities is his positional sense, when he team attacks the majority of time Ugarte is happy to stay back and become the unsung hero for his team. As mentioned above, fantastic as recouping loose balls but also exceptional in covering half spaces. For example, when a full-back attacks and overlaps, Ugarte will position himself inside the half space on either side which allows him to prevent holes where opposition can exploit in transitions. Also, when opposition is attacking, he does this too.
Let’s say the ball is with the left winger who’s looking to cut inside, Ugarte will fill the half space known if the winger does cut inside, he’s there ready and waiting to pounce. Although his game is based on his intelligent reading and awareness, Ugarte is the type of player you want on your team in battle. He’s robust, aggressive, strong and most importantly fearless. He’ll engage a tackle with any opponent. Despite Ugarte 6 foot height, he has a wonderful low-centre of gravity which allows him to approach defensive duels side on with his knees slightly bend and ready to compete. Ugarte averages a exceptional 4.38 tackles per 90 which has him inside the 99 percentile, Ugarte is that guy that allows others to express themselves further forwards, Ugarte checks his shoulder quite often which helps him to assess what movement his opponent makes. This helps him enormously in defensive phases, a real defensive monster.
On the ball, little do people know Ugarte is exquisite. Uruguayan midfielder is a very good passer and is able to play out of pressure very well. Ugarte won’t be the one to create many chances, instead he’s the first part of building an attacking phases. Incredibly composed and confident to receive the ball in tight areas, he likes to find space between the lines and often receives the ball in his own half. He orientates his body with his incredible first touch and sets off progressing upfield with either a pass or dribble. After he has passed the ball towards one of the full-backs, he moves up the pitch without the ball to get into possession further up the pitch in support. Ugarte passes with laser accuracy, capable of spotting teammates (especially more advanced) and has the ability to find them. Ugarte averages 59.16 passes per 90, 25.02 short, 23.75 medium and 4.43 long with a success rate over 91.5%, amazing.
In circumstances there’s no forward pass available, Ugarte will keep the ball moving side to side, patiently waiting for an opening. He does try to force thing but equally, he’s confident and good enough to roam forwards with a dribble. Ugarte averages 74.19 touches per 90, 44.48 carries covering an impressive distance of 221.46%. It’s clear to see why Ugarte is a wanted player, anyone looking for a Casemiro type player then look no further than Manuel Ugarte.
Thank you for your time.