The South African football giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, are making waves in the transfer market by adding Argentine center-back Lucas Suárez to their squad.
The 29-year-old defender arrives on a one-year loan with an option to buy, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in Argentina’s domestic leagues and the international stage.
Suárez, who represented Argentina’s U20 team a decade ago, has previously played for clubs like Estudiantes RC, Arsenal Sarandí, and Talleres.
His inclusion is expected to bolster Sundowns’ defensive line and add depth to the team’s roster.
A New Era Under Coach Miguel Cardoso
Since taking over as Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Cardoso has been a revelation.
The Portuguese tactician stepped in following the surprise dismissal of Manqoba Mngqithi, a decision that sent shockwaves through the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Despite the pressure, Cardoso has remained unbeaten, quickly proving his credentials and setting a high standard for the team.
Cardoso’s philosophy is grounded in technical precision and tactical dominance.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging the skillset of his players, stating, “We have to study the team and the players.
It’s clear that they are technically well-developed, which suits a coach who wants to impose his style on the game.”
Cardoso’s Vision for Sundowns: Control and Aggression
Under Cardoso’s leadership, Sundowns have adopted a playing style centered on controlling every aspect of the game.
His strategy involves mastering the four phases of play—offense, defense, transitions, and set pieces.
He explained, “Control means understanding what to do with the ball and using it to move the opponent to find spaces.
It’s not just about possession; it’s about smart utilization of spaces to attack effectively.”
A key component of his approach is aggressive ball recovery.
Cardoso highlighted the importance of immediate pressure after losing possession, saying, “I prefer the players to run for three or four seconds to recover the ball quickly, rather than retreating, reorganizing, and then attacking again.”
This philosophy promotes a high-energy, cohesive playing style that has already begun to yield results.
What’s Next for Sundowns?
With Lucas Suárez’s arrival and Cardoso’s unbeaten start, the Sundowns appear poised for a strong season.
The team’s ability to adapt to Cardoso’s tactical demands will be crucial in maintaining their dominance in the PSL.
Suárez’s defensive expertise and Cardoso’s strategic vision may just be the perfect combination to lead Sundowns to new heights.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as the club continues its quest for glory.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn