Leonardo Ponzio achieved his second victory at the helm of River Plate and, in a press conference, elaborated on the profile that the central midfielder of the team must have. The question arose from the performance of Fausto Vera, who occupies that position in the absence of Aníbal Moreno due to lumbar discomfort.
The Lion, who knows that position well from the years he played there, was clear in enumerating the demands. “He needs to have good footwork and the sacrifice to play the full ninety minutes, to tackle, to clash, and when they get behind you, to run back, which is the most difficult,” he explained.
Ponzio insisted that River's number five must not only distribute play but also contribute physical intensity throughout the match. This combination of technique and commitment is, in his view, essential to wear the red band in the midfield.
During his extensive career in Núñez, the current coach played in various areas of the field, but the midfield was always his natural position. From there, he contributed to several of the titles he lifted while wearing the millionaire jersey.
The role of Fausto Vera
Regarding Fausto Vera's current situation, Ponzio highlighted that the midfielder is meeting the demands of the position. “He is doing it, it’s a position he has known since he was little, and it’s about holding everything together; you are the brain and the one who communicates, that’s what he feels,” the coach stated.
Vera arrived at River in the summer with the idea of taking on that role, although over the months he had to adapt to different functions according to the team’s needs. Now, with the chance to play as a five, he regains the position where he feels most comfortable.
