Nelson Vivas’ Estudiantes setting the pace in Argentina

For a regular Argentina international it is fair to say that Nelson Vivas’ spell under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal between 1998 and 2001 was underwhelming. Rash in the tackle and a tad too aggressive, it looked as though his coaching career might follow suit after he was forced to resign from his first managerial role following a fist-fight with a supporter. However, years of working with some of the top names in world football stood the fiery former defender in good stead and Estudiantes are currently reaping the rewards.

So, what is Vivas’s focus or his philosophy at Estudiantes? Well, his priority when speaking at a press conference earlier this season provided some insight: “We have a clear idea of how to defend when the opponent has the ball and what matters most is that we get a result.”

Having worked under a host of well-respected coaches throughout his playing career from Wenger to Bielsa, there are any number of footballing ideologies to draw upon. However,  there are more than just shades of World Cup winning coach Carlos Bilardo, who Vivas worked with at Boca Juniors in the mid-1990s, and more recently Diego Simeone, for whom the 46-year-old served as assistant at Estudiantes after hanging up his boots in this statement.

Certainly El Pincha’s success lies in their defence and in the absence of individual stars, a collective work-ethic in which each player is aware of their responsibilities and positional duties. Last season, Lanús ultimately proved too strong but Vivas’ side pushed them closest and only the champions had a better defensive record than Estudiantes (11 conceded in 16 games).

That served as a foundation for this season and despite losing Transición top goal scorer Gastón Fernández, there has been no immediate dip in form.

Perhaps an overall decreased number of goals this season has been more beneficial to Estudiantes than most as goals have become even more of a premium and the ability to keep a clean sheet is invaluable. It is far too early to draw any meaningful conclusions but the increased threat of relegation, with four teams due to drop rather than just one in the Transición, could have led to a far more cautious approach across the league. Last season an average of 2.54 goals were scored per game but, that has dropped significantly to 1.84 over the opening few rounds of this tournament.

With this defensive approach in mind, Estudiantes did arguably their best bit of business over the close-season by retaining the services of goalkeeper Mariano Andujar. The 33-year-old is yet to concede a goal in the league but it isn’t only his 3.8 average saves per game it is the experience and organisation that goes with being an international goalkeeper that benefits his side.

A complimentary central defensive pairing sits in front with the rugged, no nonsense Jonathan Schunke providing a good foil for the younger and certainly more comfortable on the ball Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. However, it is the two that shield that back four that provide the real security for Vivas’ side.

Just as in central defence where the qualities of the pairing complement one another so it has been in midfield where Santiago Ascacibar and Israel Damonte (or Rodrigo Brana in Damonte’s recent injury absence) are so often able to dictate play and ensure that El Pincha have control over a vital part of the pitch.

Damonte has been something of a journeyman having made his debut at Estudiantes in 2000 but at 34 years of age is enjoying one of the most fruitful periods of his career. This is perhaps in no small part due to the work of 19-year-old Santiago Ascacibar, who has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in world football.

Despite his diminutive frame, Ascacibar was the outstanding ball winner in the top flight last season, averaging a league high 4.8 tackles per game and an impressive 3.4 interceptions. These figures have barely dropped in the early part of this season and after an admittedly disappointing run at this summer’s Olympics, El Ruso is already touted as the natural heir to Javier Mascherano.

His passing is simple yet efficient but the key is to move the ball forward quickly and find the willing runners in the form of Carlos Auzqui and Augusto Solari. Both wide players in Vivas’ preferred 4-2-3-1 provide the pace and width to the side but naturally run into the channels to support the lone striker.

Gaston Fernandez’s goals have certainly not been missed at this point with Auzqui already scoring three times, Solari adding another and the signing of young centre forward Ignacio Bailone appearing inspired, providing competition for Lucas Viatri. The 22-year-old has integrated seamlessly into the side and his ability to play with his back to goal creates opportunities for the likes of Auzqui and Solari to run in behind.

Crucially what Vivas has at present is balance and an incredibly strong spine to the starting eleven. This should see them competitive throughout the season although over the course of a year-long championship it is far harder to maintain such form. Injuries or a knock to the confidence of some of the younger players may yet derail El Pincha but following a sound Transicion, the early indications are good.

Can Estudiantes keep the pace this season under Nelson Vivas? Let us know in the comments below