Who is Richard Rios? The Colombian dribble machine linked with Man Utd

 

The 2024 Copa America was the tournament that shot Richard Rios into the mainstream. Prior to the summer competition in the USA, few outside of his native Colombia nor Brazil where he currently plies his trade were aware of the dynamic 24-year-old. And yet as Colombia progressed to the final of the tournament, ultimately falling at the final hurdle to 2022 World Cup winners Argentina, Rios was the driving force for Los Cafeteros from midfield.

 

What's all the more impressive is that Rios wasn't brought into the Colombia squad until late last year, and didn't make his first start for the national team until March 2024. His excellent performances this summer have really thrust the midfielder into the global spotlight, so much so that Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Colombian. 

 

The Premier League side are looking to add a central midfielder to the squad having bolstered in attack and defence with the additions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, respectively. Manuel Ugarte is believed to be United's number one target but fellow South American Rios is another that has caught the club's eye. While reports in Brazil suggest a bid is yet to be submitted, rumours of a high-profile move to Europe doesn't come as a surprise. 

 

 

The Copa America could prove a handy money spinner for Brasileirao side Palmeiras, who while they will be keen to retain Rios' services, are aware that interest in their player means they can command a significant fee should they elect to sell. Having joined last January, Rios initially found playing time in Brazil hard to come by, but by the end of the 2023 campaign; he was a vital member of the first team as Palmerias won the Brasileirao. 

 

What stands out most about Rios is his ability to drive his side forward when in possession. Unsurprisingly, 'dribbling' is one of three statistically calculated WhoScored strengths and for good reason. Indeed, he averaged a commendable 2.2 dribbles per 90 in the 2023 Brasileirao campaign as he sought to wriggle his way out of tight situations, ride challenges and push Palmeiras upfield. 

 

It was no surprise then to see Nestor Lorenzo maximise this quality to Rios' game at the Copa America, where the central midfielder completed more dribbles (18) than any other player in the USA. Often starting on the right of the midfield three in Lorenzo's favoured 4-3-3 setup, Rios was granted the license to get forward, often occupying the space that James Rodriguez vacated when he drifted infield from the right flank. 

 

This allowed for Colombia to dominate down the right even as Rodriguez came inside as Rios and right-back Daniel Munoz broke forward from midfield and defence, respectively, to stretch opponents. What has proven key, too, is that Rios works hard off the ball to ensure the defence is well protected. 

 

 

2.9 tackles per 90 in the 2024 Brasileirao campaign places 42nd in the division, while only Jhon Arias (21) won possession in the midfield third more times than Rios (16) at the Copa America. The major concern, though, comes from Rios' distribution. Even as Colombia saw a higher share of possession than opponents - they ranked fourth for this metric (55.1%) at the tournament - the midfielder struggled to keep hold of the ball having found a teammate with just 84.3% of his 33.1 passes per 90. 

 

On the back of a series of solid showings at the Copa America that saw Rios return a WhoScored rating of 7.28, interest in his services is understandable, even with issues with his ability to consistently find a teammate. However, he shouldn't be a priority signing for United in their quest to find a long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo. Rios excelled for Colombia because he was able to play with freedom in a 4-3-3 system, whereas Erik ten Hag favours a 4-2-3-1 setup. In addition, both players share similar playing styles, with Mainoo needing a midfielder to give the England star the chance to link the midfield and attack. 

 

If Rios is targeted as competition and cover for Mainoo, then he could prove a solid capture ahead of another hectic campaign, providing of course United don't break the bank to land the former. There comes a risk with signing a player on the back of an international tournament yet Rios could be the wildcard option to swell United's midfield ranks and give vital protection in a key area of the pitch.

Who is Richard Rios? The Colombian dribble machine linked with Man Utd