Real Oviedo U23s player report v Albacete

Thomas Wardle (MezzalaFootball) provides a scout report on Real Oviedo’s Javi Mier who was their only under-23 starter in a 1–0 loss against Albacete in the Spanish Segunda Division on Saturday, 30th January.

Javi Mier

Age: 21
Date of Birth: 04/02/1999
Nationality: Spanish
Club: Real Oviedo
Contract Until: 30/06/2023
Previous Clubs: n/a
Youth Career: Real Oviedo
Position: Centre-Midfield
Height: 1.76m
Preferred foot: Right

The 21-year-old featured for 62 minutes for Real Oviedo against a struggling Albacete side, and was substituted in replace of a more creative player following the visitors goal.

Mier started alongside Sergio Tejera in a 4–4–2 system. Mier was often the deeper one of the two, usually moving into the left-full back position when Oviedo was in possession of the ball. Through the first-half the Spaniard was comfortable in possession, usually controlling with his left before using his right foot to find a pass. Most passes were low risk — although each pass, despite simple, were played efficiently — occasionally with the outside of his right foot. He also received the ball under pressure a few times, and dealt with them scenarios at ease.

What I liked most about Mier was his ability to break the first line of pressure, carrying the ball — but feel like this is something he should have used more and I didn’t see enough. He dropped deep to receive the ball before a body feint fooled the Albacete forward and was eventually fouled. I’d have liked to see this more, rather than passing and recycling the ball, which often led to Real Oviedo being predictable in possession.

Defensively at times the 21-year-old seemed a bit hesitant to tackle, although surprisingly dominated in his aerial duels even though he’s 5’ 9” in height, so against a more attacking team may highlight him as a more defensive player.

Overall, a composed display in possession and passing and the occasional glimpse of an ability to carry the ball forward to break a line of pressure, but often predictable and low-risk.

Thank you for reading. Any feedback or comments are welcome — you can get in contact with me via twitter @MezzalaFtbl.