Radipapadi
Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento has been one of the standout players for Mamelodi Sundowns this season. The defender has featured in the many centre-back pairings the club has had, which have included the likes of Wayne Arendse, Mosa Lebusa and Motjeka Madisha.
Masandawana have conceded 10.5 shots per game with only 5.6% of those turning into goals, according to ????. With Nascimento being such a regular feature in the squad, it shows that he plays a very important role at the club.
The centre-back has earned the support and trust of fans, but magents02 seems to think that he has weaknesses that don't make him as good as most fans think. The Soccer Laduma reader feels the defender is lucky to play alongside the likes of Hlompho Kekana and some of the best goalkeepers:
"Nasci is a good game reader and a good defender as well, but his clearances are not up to scratch so, eish, he is fortunate to play with Hlompho [Kekana] and [the] best goalkeepers."
- Blogger: magents02
In terms of defensive records, Nascimento's clearance statistics are very decent. The defender has made a total of 115 clearances so far this season, with an average of 8.5 clearances per 90 minutes. Is it fair to say that he is not good enough in that department?
Soccer Laduma reader Lawrence Lee says Nascimento deserves to be considered as one of the best defenders of the PSL era. The defender was also praised for his abilities going forward:
"Nascimento is the best defender we have ever had in [the] PSL era. He is very clever, good in [the] air, and he can score given a chance. He has more goals than some strikers like [Thamsanqa] Gabuza, [Justin] Shonga, and [Leonardo] Castro."
- Blogger: Lawerence Lee
So far this season, Nascimento has netted three goals, with two of those coming from the penalty spot. Soccer Laduma reader Chaledi has heaped praise on the Brazilian for his defensive capabilities and discipline on the field:
"He [Nascimento] reads the game well. Doesn't commit many fouls. He plays clean football and has good passing skills. He is a real Brazilian. He is top class."
- Blogger: Chaledi
Perhaps Chaledi has a point. Nascimento wins 0.8 tackles and makes 1.2 blocks per game. In terms of discipline, the defender has committed nine fouls so far this season, with an average of 0.66 fouls committed per 90 minutes.
How important is Nascimento in Sundowns' trophy hunt this season? Let us know what you think by commenting below!
