Fresno FC are lead by the veteran Argentinean. With two seasons in La Liga, at Real Betis ('06-'08), Caffa is--by far--the most accomplished player on the roster, and one of the most experienced players in the league.
That said, Caffa's days as a rotation player at the highest level of Europe are more than a decade behind him. While he's still the technical class of any Foxes XI, his ability to play at pace is substantially diminished. Don't believe me? Check out his separation and finishing once upon a time.
(I believe this is from the '02-'03 season with Boca Juniors)
At 33, his play is forced to be far more cerebral; and by all accounts focused on connecting with younger player.
So, how's he doing in that role for Fresno FC?
So, how's he doing in that role for Fresno FC?
Through five matches I'd say it's been a mixed bag. During the home--and season--opener versus Las Vegas FC Caffa was conspicuously absent from the Foxes attacking play.
His first-half heat map was more or less what Coach Adam Smith was looking for –– heavy to the left-side and relatively prevalent in Zone 14.
However, when you overlay that with his passing/shot chart, the result isn't nearly as impactful. Takeaway the one set piece shot, which was threatening and on-frame, and Caffa only made one attacking pass from Zone 14 into Zone 17 in 49:00.
What's more, after falling behind 0-3 in the second half, Caffa dropped deeper, and deeper, as the game progressed to pick up the ball. Here's his 2nd Half heat map:
Suffice to say this isn't what you're looking for from your best creator. Compare the LVFC chart to Caffa's contribution in what was likely the club's best performance in a road win at Seattle Sounders 2:
Positionally, this is much more in-line with where I want to see Caffa on the ball –– though not exactly where I'd like to see him.
(A brief aside: It should be said, the Foxes have played in several formations so far this season, and have even played a few different attacking concepts within the formations they're going to regularly; like the 4-4-2. So, doing a direct game-to-game comparison of a single player isn't going to be super fruitful. However, from my persecutive, the relevant question to ask of any formation is, "is this putting the best attacking players on the ball in attacking positions?" With a player like Caffa in particular, the goal is to get him the ball in space with time to create.)
Given the nature of a totally new club, with a coaching staff and players learning each others strengths and tendencies, it's not at all surprising to me that it's taking a bit of time to sort out how to get your best player(s) consistently good looks to create goal-scoring chances.
Caffa is certainly [still] technically and tactically good enough to impact every game in a positive way for the Foxes. Time will tell if he's given the freedom to do so.
Caffa is certainly [still] technically and tactically good enough to impact every game in a positive way for the Foxes. Time will tell if he's given the freedom to do so.
