Nicolas Castillo

Date of Birth	Nationality	Current Club	Position	Strengths		Weaknesses	Transfer Rumours	Market Value (where applicable)	Similar Players
				Physical	Technical
14/2/1993	Chile	Universidad Catolica	CF	Strong, Pace, Aerial	Heading, Awareness, Control, Movement	Experience	Sampdoria, Milan, Fiorentina, Udinese	-	Zlatan, Didier

Nicolas Castillo is a 20-year-old Chilean who plays for Universidad Catolica in Chile. He is a very natural center forward who can lead an attack without a supporting striker. At such a young age Castillo has impressed many with several European clubs having declared interest in him. It was reported that in January the club rejected a bid for Castillo’s services. Clubs such as Milan, Fiorentina, Napoli and Udinese have all shown interest in the young Chilean. Castillo shined for both Club and the Chile u-20 team following his performances in the Copa Sudamericana and the South American Youth Championships. Scoring 5 goals in the latter competition and helping Chile to fourth place. Following interest in January, he was able to develop as a player both through the guidance from Universidad’s coach as well as his performances on field.

Castillo is a player who has great pace and movement in attack that allows him to make runs behind defenders and get great 1-on-1 opportunities against the keeper. He also frequently makes fast and well timed runs in the box that allows him to get on the end of many crosses and score. He is also a very strong player who possesses a great ability to hold up the ball using strength and good ball control. This allows him to hold up the ball for a teammate and then lay it off for the teammate to score. Castillo is also a very gifted player in the air; Castillo has scored several headed goals and often challenges defenders for the ball in the air.  He is a hard working player who will give his most for whichever team he plays for. Even when not in possession of the ball he tends to press hard and fight to win the ball back. An important part of his game is his awareness and movement. His ability to lead an attacking line comes from his ability to get in behind defenders and always being aware of the game around him. Along with his pace and strength, these attributes make him a great complete forward and a very important player for the future of Chile.

I have likened him to Drogba and Zlatan due to the presence he has in attack. He makes his presence known and is not afraid of taking on defenders or pressing hard when in defence. Although he doesn’t possess as hard a shot as Drogba or Zlatan, he does produce some sublime finishes and well timed shots. He is a player to watch in the future, and maybe after the current u20 world cup in Turkey there will be a European club ready to jump and sign him.