Following Mamelodi Sundowns' signing of defender Lucas Suarez, KickOff lifts the lid on what to expect from the Argentinian.
Sundowns first struck gold in the Pitso Mosimane era for a central defender in 2016 when they signed Ricardo Nascimento, as the modern game started to require a left-footed centre-back for balance on the pitch tactically.
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The club were arguably the first in the PSL to prioritize having a left-footed centre-back by design and careful consideration, instead of by luck or chance.
Nascimento grew to become one of the best centre-backs in the country, with his reading of the game, technical ability and composure standing out, until he left Chloorkop in January 2022.
Masandawana have been struggling to get a replacement since then, as they signed Abdelmounaim Boutouil to play a similar role six months later, but the Moroccan could not really fit in and given his physical strength, he played a little bit more as a natural left-back.
Blighted by injuries, out of favour after Rulani Mokwena left Sundowns, AB was eventually released and in the process they converted Mosa Lebusa.
Suarez comes on board, on loan from Argentinian side CA Talleres, with expectations to play as a left-footed centre-back.
However, the 29-year-old has primarily played the majority of his career to date as a left-back, although what makes him fit that role is that he prefers cutting inside and linking up play.
This is similarly to Aubrey Modiba, who has been converted to midfield by head coach Miguel Cardoso.
Lebusa has been holding the fort as a left-footed centre-back and although adept defensively, is not as equally good technically and that's where Suarez is expected to improve Sundowns.
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The former Argentina youth international is also quite tall, at 1,84 meters, and is expected to offer aerial solidity, though he has almost equal height with Lebusa, who is 1,83 meters tall.
Sundowns' trusted defender in the air Mothobi Mvala is 1,76 meters tall.
Technically, Suarez is exceptional playing from the back and has the ability to eliminate players, which is a quality common with South American defenders.