Girona have made a decent start to the 2024-25 campaign. They are set to play in the UEFA Champions League. The Spanish team were one of the best in the LaLiga 2023-24. However, these teams often find it difficult to keep hold of their star players. The likes of Artem Dobvyk, Aleix Garcia, Savinho and a couple of other players left the club. A few other loan signings also returned to their parent clubs, including their right-back Yan Couto. The full-back was one of the key members for Girona in the previous campaign. They needed someone to replace their dynamic right-back.
The Spanish side went to the second division in search of a replacement. They decided to invest in 22-year-old defender Alejandro Frances. He left Zaragoza after four full seasons in the Segunda Division. The youngster is a centre-back, who can also play as a right-back. Frances has already started his journey at the Spanish club and here is a look at what more the Girona faithful can expect from their new signing.
Defensive wall at Zaragoza
Alejandro Frances has over 100 appearances in the second division. He featured in 36 league games in the 2023-24 campaign. The 22-year-old played as a right centre-back as well as on the left side for the team. Frances made some crucial interceptions in and around the penalty box. Most of his defensive actions were successful.
The above pizza chart shows the percentile rank of the defender in comparison to other right centre-backs in Tier 4 league football. Alejandro was one of the best in the business for moving the ball forward. He also possessed a bit of a threat inside the opposition penalty box.
The first plot measures a centre-back’s aerial presence and effectiveness, crucial for defending set pieces and crosses. Frances contested just over three aerial duels per 90 minutes and won around 58% of these aerial battles.
The second plot illustrates the centre-back’s ability to engage in and win defensive one-on-one situations. High values in both metrics suggest a reliable defender. The youngster was more impressive in winning his defensive duels. He contested just over six duels per 90 minutes and won 71% of these duels.
Winning the ball up high is another important part of Frances’ game. He knows how to counterpress the opponent. These recoveries help the team to remain on the front foot.
One area where Girona could get help is in the assists column. Alejandro Frances has a good range of long passing. He can even deliver crosses into the box. The youngster will aim to create more goals for the team.
Girona can expect a few goals from their defender. He took 28 shots last season, with half of them attempted from outside the penalty box. One or two goals for any defender in the entire season is a bonus for any team.
Decent start in LaLiga
Alejandro Frances has made two league appearances for the club. He has been deployed on the right side. The 22-year-old has shown versatility by playing as a full-back for the team.
The high recoveries are still going on for the youngster. He has made five counter-pressing and one dangerous recovery. Girona will hope that the recovery rate continues.
Alejandro Frances likes to progress with the ball. His progressive passing has helped the team to reach the final third with ease. These passes often break the opposition team and help in creating a goal-scoring chance.
The 22-year-old will aim to give his best to the team. He is settling well in the team. Frances will also play in Europe and that will be an even bigger challenge for him.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
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