Focusing on young talent: Kognia insights applied to evaluate the performances of five Spanish talents with huge potential

To focus on specific tactical metrics that best help to understand a particular type of player and their potential, we turn to the players who make up the Spanish U21 national team. For each of the selected players, we have chosen some of the unique Kognia tactics that explain how a player is performing in a way that is not necessarily commonly seen in analysis today. 

1. Cristhian Mosquera, emphasising Kognia's most distinctive defensive qualities, is a centre-back with very well-defined defensive concepts.

The Arsenal centre-back ranks highly in three advanced Kognia variables that explain his tactical defensive behaviour. He is a player who intercepts the movements behind the defensive line of opposing attackers and is very aware of any defensive imbalances that may occur during the opponent's offensive phase. In addition, Cristhian Mosquera is a centre-back who does not hesitate to move forward in organised pressure. 

2. Álex Valle, the left-back who in just two seasons has gone from playing in the Spanish Second Division to Serie A, revealing his potential with the ball, but also his characteristic defensive proactivity.

Álex Valle is a very complete left-back at all levels, as he responds well when bringing the ball out, in progression in the game and in moments after losing possession. He is a very intelligent left-back in possession of the ball, identifying passing lanes well under pressure and helping to overcome opponents with his vertical passes. At the same time, he is a full-back who stands out notably for his movements behind the defensive line, clearly demonstrating that he fits the profile of a long-range full-back with the ability to surprise with his attacking runs. 

3. Rodrigo Mendoza is an attacking midfielder who is developing at a remarkable pace.

Rodrigo is a central midfielder with a remarkable ability to generate play when in possession of the ball. Not only does he accumulate a lot of time with the ball, but he also tends to find passing lanes, beat opponents with vertical passes or look for the third man. His ability to read the game with the ball and help his team progress is the highlight of his development as a player. An ace at threading passes between the lines and breaks through pressure lines. 

4. Jan Virgili is thriving following his departure from FC Barcelona’s youth academy to RCD Mallorca.

Tactical insights from Kognia reveal how Jan Virigili is proving to be one of the best left wingers in La Liga. He is a brave, daring, dangerous and very active winger. He is an attacker who constantly looks to dribble, especially in dangerous areas. He continually seeks to break behind the defensive line and create imbalance. The attached graphic shows one of the matches in which Jan Virgili stood out most for his movements behind the opposing defence. In this case, it was against Rayo Vallecano in January. 

5. Gonzalo García is a centre forward who is happy coming deep as well as moving in behind.

Kognia shows how Gonzalo García ranks among the highest percentiles in La Liga in such important variables as breaking behind defenders, finishing from the wing and running into the box. He has scored five goals and can play in other positions such as on the wing. It is not easy for a striker to excel in movements behind the opposition's defensive line or in runs into the box. These two factors are indicative of intelligent, proactive performance and preparation for the highest level.