Scout Report : Marcos Lopez

San Jose Earthquakes have bolstered their defensive ranks with the capture of Peruvian defender Marcos Lopez from Sporting Cristal.

The 19-year-old left-back, is seen as a way to bolster the defence for San Jose Earthquakes with the likes of Joel Qwiberg, Harold Cummings and Nick Lima to name three.

The Quakes have already agreed a deal to sign Sporting Cristal star Marcos Lopez, who will officially join San Jose for the 2019 preseason.

Upon signing for the Quakes, Jesse Fioranelli said about Lopez:

“

"For several months, we have put a lot of effort in scouting a left back that can have an immediate impact on both offense and defense," said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. "Marcos was a crucial player for Sporting Cristal, where he helped them win the Peruvian first division by contributing as a fullback, his natural position, and subsequently as a winger. Despite his young age, Marcos has already earned his spot with the national team under Ricardo Gareca. He held offers from European and South American clubs, which is why I am excited that Marcos committed to joining the Quakes on a long-term basis before the upcoming South American U-20 Championship

”

THE HISTORY

Lopez’s career began with USMP in his native Peru, though he left the Lima side having only made two senior debuts.

Marcos Lopez made 23 Torneo Descentralizado appearances for Sporting Cristal that season, scoring five goals.

THE PROSPECTS

With Francois Affolter, Harold Cummings, Danny Hoesen, Guram Kashia and Nick Lima already to select from, and more incoming players to add to that mix, Fantasy managers will have to carefully pick and choose their San Jose Earthquakes assets next season.

On the face of it, Lopez wouldn’t be a serious candidate for one of those three permitted slots. The Peruvian’s duties will predominantly be of a defensive nature, sitting in front of the San Jose Earthquakes back four and carrying out the necessary dirty work.

Lopez has, however, never been dismissed in his senior career.

All in all, Lopez’s appeal to Fantasy managers will largely boil down to whether or not he will be San Jose's designated penalty taker next season. The comparisons with another defensive midfielder on spot-kick duties, Luka Milivojevic, are obvious, though it is pertinent to note that, while Crystal Palace were awarded a league-high of ten penalties this season, San Jose Earthquakes were given just three.

Lopez’s penchant for a tackle and the high number of passes he makes (a success rate of 86.3% for Sporting Cristal this season) would reflect well on the Bonus Points System (BPS), though a lack of key passes and a propensity to collect yellow cards would equally dent his appeal.