HSV utility man: three possible roles for Capaldo | OneFootball

Nicolas Capaldo has had eventful months behind him. At HSV, the Argentine experienced a mixed preparation, a failed start to the season, and the subsequent upswing.

Not only did the team's sporting situation change, but his own role also shifted multiple times. The 27-year-old was originally signed as a replacement for vice-captain Ludovit Reis, who moved to Bruges. Capaldo was supposed to occupy the box-to-box midfielder position and started the season exactly there—alongside enforcer Nicolai Remberg in central midfield.

However, after Warmed Omari's severe injury on the 5th matchday, he quickly moved to the right position of the newly formed HSV back three. This was completely new territory for the South American. "I have never played in this position before," he explained in an interview with HSV.de, but "over time I felt more and more comfortable."

And indeed, Capaldo delivered. With consistently strong performances, he became one of the most reliable professionals in the squad. His intensity and tireless effort, exemplified in the draws against Borussia Dortmund (1:1) and FC Bayern (2:2), underline his value. The role as vice-captain, who often even wears the armband in Yussuf Poulsen's absence, is the logical consequence.

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Will Capaldo take over on the right side at HSV?

With Omari's extremely successful comeback, the question of position is back in focus. Much suggests that Capaldo could be used on the right flank in the future. It is the position where HSV has rotated the most this season. Giorgi Gocholeishvilli started eight times, William Mikelbrencis was preferred seven times, and Bakery Jatta started six times. Recently, Jatta was set and performed his duties solidly, but without making a lasting impression.

Capaldo, on the other hand, brings a profile that seems tailor-made for this role. Even in Salzburg, he was occasionally used as a right-back. His pronounced tackling strength, enormous willingness to run, and his drive forward make him a very promising option.

Alternatively, he could also return to the central midfield in the short term, especially since regular midfielder Sambi Lokonga will be out for at least three weeks. Particularly against strong opponents like RB Leipzig (March 1) or Bayer Leverkusen (March 4), Capaldo's physicality would be needed.

Wherever he ultimately plays—one thing is certain: Capaldo is reliable. Or as he himself says: "The team can always count on me, no matter where I am needed."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.