FEATURE | What can Feyenoord fans expect from Marcos Lopez? | OneFootball

Marcos Lopez is who Feyenoord have chosen to replace Tyrell Malacia, with the Peruvian international joining from San Jose Earthquakes on a four-year deal.

So, what can Feyenoord fans expect from their new left-back? To find out, we spoke to Peruvian CBS journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray.

GBeNeFN: First things first Luis, why should Feyenoord fans be excited about this signing?

LME: Marcos López, in my opinion, is the best young Peruvian playing abroad. At 22, he already has major international experience and has played in two countries, not including his arrival in Holland. There is so much talent, poise but most importantly, character. If nurtured well, which I believe is the case under a fine team like Feyenoord, great things can happen.

GBeNeFN: What are his main strengths?

LME: He’s very fast, uber-fast actually, and covers ground better than most. Despite his young age, he is a relentless fighter for the ball as a LB or LWB and shies away from no one. He’s also tenacious as a defender and having already played against some of the best in South America (qualifiers and Copa América) he doesn’t scare easily. He also has an eye for goal. With San Jose, he scored four, not bad for a left-back. There is a bit of a Trent Alexander-Arnold in him – fast, covers ground and has an eye for assists too. Now, I am not saying he’s TAA, not at all. But the ceiling as they say is high. Very high.

GBeNeFN: Does he have any significant weaknesses?

LME: He can get too attack-friendly and therefore leaves himself vulnerable at the back. I would like to see him improve in possession, but he’s 22. He’s got so much more to learn.

GBeNeFN: How has he performed for the national team?

LME: Very well. Miguel Trauco was/is the undisputed left-back for a while and Marcos totally fought that role for him in certain games. 16 matches with the senior team after moving up from youth setups. Despite being so young, he also travelled to the World Cup in 2018 to train with the team because of how highly regarded he was. He was part of the historic win against Colombia in Barranquilla and played at Copa America in 2021.

GBeNeFN: How well and how quickly do you think he’ll adjust to European football?

LME: It depends but I think the Eredivisie – just like Renato Tapia’s journey – is perfect for him. It’s a league that encourages fast-paced, technically savvy football and that’s what he’s all about.

GBeNeFN: Finally, just how good do you think he can go on to be?

LME: I have high hopes for Marcos. Maybe it’s the sentimental in me – and I also don’t want to jinx it – but he can reach great heights. All he needs to do is buckle down, learn more, work harder than anyone else and take his chances. Peruvians to Europe don’t often get that chance despite the immense talent (look at Pedro Gallese) but he has it. It’s obvious. At 22, this is only the start.