Ferraresi tops defensive stats as São Paulo tighten up at the back | OneFootball

Nahuel Ferraresi’s influence at São Paulo continues to be a talking point early in the 2025 Brasileirão season. The Venezuelan defender, who arrived initially on loan from Manchester City in 2023 before the club extended his stay, has consolidated his place as a regular starter and a key element in São Paulo’s defensive structure.

So far this season, Ferraresi leads the Brasileirão in tackles and defensive duels won among centre-backs. According to recent league data, he averages 3.6 tackles per game and has won 72 percent of his defensive duels, numbers that underline his role as São Paulo’s central disruptor. This improvement has coincided with a notable decrease in goals conceded by the club compared to the same stage last season. His ability to step out and challenge forwards one-on-one has allowed São Paulo to maintain a higher line and press with more confidence.

Ferraresi’s distribution has also been under scrutiny. He has completed 89 percent of his passes so far, with an uptick in progressive carries as requested by coach Luis Zubeldía. While São Paulo’s buildup play continues to funnel through midfielders like Pablo Maia, Ferraresi has chipped in with two assists this season. Both came from long, diagonal passes that broke opposition lines, reflecting his increased willingness to play forward and take risks when the opportunity presents itself.

São Paulo’s medical team had previously managed Ferraresi carefully after a knee injury curtailed his 2023 campaign. Now, after a full preseason and a tailored conditioning programme, he has played every minute in the league so far, a sign of both his fitness and the coaching staff’s confidence. Club sources suggest his presence in the dressing room, and his communication in Spanish and Portuguese, has helped younger defenders settle into the first team.

With several key fixtures looming—including next weekend’s match against Palmeiras—Ferraresi’s performances will continue to be closely watched. His ability to combine defensive solidity with improved passing range forms a critical part of São Paulo’s ambitions this season.