Analysis: What will Jorge Pereyra Diaz add to Mumbai City FC?

The Argentine striker scored eight goals in the ISL for Kerala Blasters last season.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Mumbai City FC recently announced the arrival of Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz. The Islanders have roped him in on a one-year deal that will see him don the blue of Mumbai until May 2023.

Mumbai City FC haven’t held themselves back from making jaw-dropping signings this summer. They have roped in the ISL's current ‘Hero of the League’ Greg Stewart and Australian defender Rostyn Griffiths. 

Moreover, they have also added Alberto Noguera, Sanjeev Stalin and Vinit Rai to their roster ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

On that note, we take a look at what Jorge Pereyra Diaz brings to the table for the Islanders.

Experience

Jorge Pereyra Diaz began his career with Primera B Nacional outfit Ferro Carril Oeste at the age of 18. After scoring 15 goals in 86 appearances during his four-year stay at Ferro, Diaz moved to Club Atletico Lanus.

He won the Copa Sudamericana in 2013. The following year Diaz moved out of Argentine and joined Malaysian top division side Johor Darul Ta’zim.

The Argentine spent four years at Johor and was loaned out to Independiente in 2015 and subsequently to Mexican club Leon in 2017, but couldn’t make much of an impact. After scoring over 50 goals and winning two Malaysian Super League titles, Diaz returned to Lanus in 2018.

He then signed for Bolivian side Bolivar in 2019 and netted 19 goals in 41 appearances. The 32-year-old moved back to Argentina in 2021 and signed for Platense before securing a loan move to Kerala Blasters last summer.

After a successful campaign with the Tuskers where he scored eight goals and provided an assist, Diaz has now put pen to paper with the former champions of India who are highly determined to get back on track.

Type of player

Jorge Pereyra Diaz mostly plays the role of a supporting striker. He can drift around and cause huge problems to the opposition with his off-the-ball movements. He is an excellent dribbler with an equally gifted passing precision.

Diaz is more of a creative striker who can also fit as a number 10. His ability to link-up play and time his movements with the ball to perfection sets him apart. He goes very smoothly about his moves on the pitch, especially in the final third.

The 32-year-old has a very good right foot, but his left foot is no less either. Diaz is unpredictable which makes him even more dangerous in the attacking third. Moreover, he is a hard worker on the pitch with a ‘never-say-die’ attitude, always ready to press and track back. 

How Jorge Pereyra Diaz fits into Mumbai City FC’s line up?

Des Buckingham operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation with a lone striker. Diaz can either play as a number nine or even as a number 10 if required. He can also drop in and initiate link-up play. Diaz is a keen dribbler and can take on defenders with ease.

The Argentine target man will also have the onus to keep ringing in the goals for the Islanders. He’ll also want to build upon his heroics from last season and improve himself in terms of statistics.

Diaz is more than just a goal-scorer and brings a plethora of experience under his belt. His experience and expertise will surely help Mumbai City FC in the upcoming season. Moreover, the lethal duo of Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Greg Stewart (or Alberto Noguera) up front will definitely give the Islanders an edge. Watch out for this one.