Name: Esteban Moreira Club: O’Higgins Nationality: Chilean Position: ST/LW Birthday: 17/2/2002 (21) Height: 188cm (6”2) Foot: Right Contract: N/A Estimated cost: €1.5m Date: 11/10/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/esteban-moreira/profil/spieler/749448 Tactical role + team details: O’Higgins are typically a lower mid-table team in the Chilean Primera, finishing 13th in 2021, 8th in 2022 and are currently 13th (out of 16) with 4 games left to play. Moreira joined the O’Higgins academy at age 17 from an amateur team and made his league debut in October 2020, although his minutes that season were limited. He broke back into the first team in the 2022 season, where he played 695 minutes in the league scoring 3 goals. This season he’s played 956 minutes (13 starts) and has scored 2 goals (0 assists). O’Higgins typically play a 4231 or 433 system with Moreira usually deployed as a striker although has often played as a left-winger as well. He has been capped for the Chilean U20 and U23 sides. Attacking Phase: Decision making around his shooting was poor - often took shots in poor locations with teammates much better positioned. Has decent technique and shooting in his long-shots but lacked accuracy, his shooting ability in the penalty area was much the same - overall wasn’t particularly impressed with his finishing ability or technique - although I did like his aerial ability from crosses where he showed good movement and power to be able to created headed chances on goal. When he did play in teammates he looked to have good ideas but was mostly ineffective, but with some development could be a good chance creator. Showed good strength in 1 vs 1 duels but lacked effectiveness on the ball. Build Up Phase: Was comfortable dropping back to link up with the midfield, although didn’t look comfortable on the ball under pressure and his passing looked awkward and often heavy Defensive Phase: Really liked his defensive work, put in a lot of work in chasing the ball down and showed good effectiveness in doing so, with his strength helping to muscle opponents off the ball. Was great at winning the ball when defending set-pieces Physical: Had a lot of good physical attributes - had really good strength and ability in the air although lacked agility and wasn’t particularly quick. Limitations: Can’t see him improving his technique on the ball much. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Decision making on the ball. Improve all round play in the final third. Next Step: He has a lot of qualities that teams will look for, namely his work-rate and physical attributes. However I just didn't think technically he's ready for a big step up. He might make it to the MLS or another South American league like the Argentinian league but I'd be surprised if he has the quality to play in a major European league Current Level: 10 - Champions League level player 9 - Top Half PL player 8 - PL player 7 - Top half player in Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 6 - Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 Player 5 - Top Championship player 4 - Championship player 3 - League 1 player 2 - League 2 player 1 - Awful Potential: 10 - Champions League level player 9 - Top Half PL player 8 - PL player 7 - Top half player in Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 6 - Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 Player 5 - Top Championship player 4 - Championship player 3 - League 1 player 2 - League 2 player 1 - Awful
Based on purely the data it certainly looks possible, Fluminese have a 22 year old CM called Andre who's likely to move to Europe soon and has already been capped by the Brazilian NT. In red are Andres stats in the 2021 season (aged 20 then) compared to Moscardos now. With an extra 2 years development I can certainly see him hitting those numbers.
Just saw a tweet about him so looked at how he has developed in the last year since my report and I'm beginning to think I under-rated Oscar Zambrano - his passing has come on leaps and bounds in the last year, which combined with his excellent defensive and pressing stats means I imagine he could be a very in-demand player very soon (still only 19!) His stats look quite similar to Enzo Fernandez's stats in his breakout season in Argentina.. On a sidenote - not given up on doing these, just very busy!. Hoping to do more soon.
Few moves to look out for ahead of January Turned 18 at the beginning of the month which is when (I believe anyway) he can move to clubs abroad (including England). At barely 18 years old he's already got a huge amount of experience, making over 50 appearances in the Irish league, as well as playing in Conference League qualifiers + has caps for the Irish U21 team already. Won the Irish young player of the year award earlier in the month and was named in the leagues team of the year. Has won a staggering amount of awards in general. Has had trial at Leverkusen + Roma previously and is being linked with a move to Leeds in January. Primarily plays RB but has also made a fair few appearances at CB. Out of contract in a couple of weeks time - fantastic goalscoring winger who's scored 14 goals + 5 assists in 34 games for Catolica this season. Looks like a move to Brazil is most likely, with Brazilian champions Palmeiras apparently heavily interested, as well as Vasco Da Gama (which would also be an interesting move as they're owned by 777 Partners, the possible new Everton owners - who have lots of clubs in Europe who he'd also suit if his time in Brazil is successful)
Bournemouth barging in… https://x.com/fabrizioromano/status/1742992856208294374?s=61&t=n0dBF7HSu_RxVm41qwi4kQ
Joined Lens (joining another fellow favourite Oscar Cortes) on loan. Rest of the footballing world didn't like him either, joined Huachipato FC in Chile on a free transfer.
Sam Curtis now being heavily linked to a lot of English teams: Man City, Leeds, Sheff Utd + Hull all being linked. Should be a non-brainer for our recruitment team to try and muscle in. Aravena has signed a one year extension so is no longer available on a free.
Doesn't he seem a bit similar in profile to Andrews though? Based on his age and the description you've given him. Not sure it makes much sense for us to add another young prospect to be back-up to Andrews, unless we're really just focused on player trading rather than league position. A more experienced player who is a bit more solid defensively to balance out Andrews' attacking verve might be more sensible from an on the pitch perspective.
He does for sure, although personally I believe Curtis has a higher ceiling. Agree it probably isn't great squad building to have 2 similar young prospects in the same position, but he's available on a free (as far as I can work out) and is readily available compared to Ngakia who seems to be made of glass.
Ngakia 100% needs to be replaced, but not sure someone of Curtis' profile would be who to replace him with. Again, depends on if we just want to do player trading, or have a more competitive team.
Interesting one, despite nearly 60 starts in Serie B at 20 years old, he's joined newly relegated America MG in the same division for less than £500k which is a bargain for someone so young with a good amount of potential. His stats regressed last season compared to when I did my initial report, but still seems like a bargain.
