Summer signing Yoshimar Yotún started and played the full 90 minutes in City’s recent match vs. Vancouver. Yotún was lively and determined in the midfield and showed his capability to effect the game from multiple areas of the pitch.
Read below for analysis of Yoshi’s impact against Vancouver:
Distributing the Ball
One of Yotún’s many strengths as a player is his passing range. He can hit the long ball with unerring consistency, including crosses from the flank. Against the Whitecaps, Yotún completed six key passes which led to scoring opportunities for the Lions, including a fine left-footed cross finished by Cyle Larin -- Yotún’s first MLS assist.
Yotún started and played the majority of the match in the midfield then moved to the left back position twelve minutes into the second half. The move paid almost immediate dividends when Yotún set up Larin’s goal just five minutes later. This was a clear attacking move by head coach Jason Kreis, who knew his team needed to score.
Set Pieces
A set piece from anywhere in the attacking half can be dangerous if the ball is struck with quality. More so, it helps when a team has both left-footed and right-footed players who can serve the ball from different angles with bend.
Yotún, a left-footer, is capable of providing quality dead-ball service anywhere on the pitch. Yotún took multiple free kicks in attacking situations against the Whitecaps. When Yotún and Kaká stand over a free kick, its strikes a sense of uncertainty into the opposing team’s defense -- not knowing whether there will be inswinging or outswinging bend on the ball. This is a threat Orlando City and Yoshi Yotún will continue to use to generate scoring chances.
Full 90
Yotún has started and played in all three of his appearances in Purple, including his tireless performance put in against the Whitecaps. Yet to be subbed off by Kreis, the Peruvian’s match fitness has been impressive since joining the Lions. His energy doesn’t seem to wane as the game goes on.
Key Passes, Successful Take-Ons
Yotún led Orlando City in key passes (6) and successful take-ons (3) against Vancouver. And, his decision-making in the final third will only improve as he becomes more acclimated to his new teammates.
