Álvaro Fidalgo’s Impactful Debut with Betis

omidbasir- Álvaro Fidalgo made his debut as a starter for Betis last Sunday at the Metropolitano Stadium, following his initial minutes in the Copa the previous Thursday. His performance demonstrated why Coach Manuel Pellegrini and the club’s Sports Management prioritized acquiring a creative midfielder during the winter transfer window, instead of the anticipated center-forward to alternate positions with Colombian striker Cucho Hernández.

The Asturian midfielder, known for his dynamism and ability to impact the game across the field, significantly altered Betis’s playing style. His presence led the coaching staff to adjust their initial game plan, opting for a single defensive midfielder, Marc Roca, who excelled and continues to improve physically, and two more mobile interior players.

Throughout the match, it never felt as if Fidalgo was merely a supporting player alongside Roca; rather, he and fellow midfielder Pablo Fornals frequently roamed the midfield, with Fidalgo leaning more toward the left side of his team’s attack. He was constantly connecting with teammates, aiming to establish a well-structured play that effectively transitioned the ball to the flanks while maintaining verticality.

Fidalgo showcased many of his strengths, including dynamism, excellent ball control, and a knack for providing passing options for his teammates. He was particularly precise, completing 35 of 37 passes and attempting 10 progressive passes aimed toward the opponent’s half. Additionally, he contributed defensively by winning three duels and recovering possession for his team.

His statistics will likely improve as Betis faces opponents more suited to their league status, particularly when playing at home. Nonetheless, his impressive performance at the challenging Metropolitano Stadium, coupled with his fitness to endure most of the match, is undoubtedly encouraging for a team that has been missing a player like him in the absence of Lo Celso and Isco.

Looking ahead to the match against Mallorca, it would not be surprising to see Pellegrini continue with this three-midfielder setup, consisting of one defensive player and two creators, as they seek a second consecutive victory to solidify their fifth-place position in the league. The integration of Amrabat and Isco into the squad will present a challenge, but for the Chilean coach, having an abundance of talented players is more of a solution than a problem. With Fidalgo now part of his strategy, the team has gained another valuable asset.