20 Facts About Alan Varela

Early Beginnings and Career Milestones

Alan Varela's journey in football began at a young age, and his dedication has seen him rise through the ranks to become a professional player. Let's explore his early career and significant milestones.

1. Early Career: Varela started his football journey in 2012 at Barcelona Luján, a subsidiary of Barcelona. This early exposure to professional training laid the foundation for his future success.

2. Academy Background: After leaving Barcelona Luján, he joined the prestigious Club Atlético Boca Juniors academy. The rigorous training and competitive environment helped him develop into a skilled midfielder.

3. Breakthrough at Boca Juniors: In 2020, Varela made his breakthrough into Boca Juniors' first team. Initially, he struggled to secure a permanent starting spot but eventually became a crucial part of the team's midfield.

4. Professional Contract: In 2019, Varela signed his first professional contract with Boca Juniors. This contract marked a significant milestone in his career, providing him with financial stability and solidifying his commitment to the club.

Achievements and Honors

Varela's time at Boca Juniors was marked by several achievements and honors, showcasing his talent and contribution to the team.

5. Copa Libertadores Debut: His first appearance in a major international competition came on September 17, 2019, as an unused substitute in a Copa Libertadores match against Libertad. This debut highlighted his growing importance within the team.

6. Senior Debut: Varela made his senior debut for Boca Juniors on December 20, 2019, in a Copa de la Liga Profesional match against Independiente. This marked his transition from an unused substitute to a regular member of the starting lineup.

7. Honors with Boca Juniors: During his time at Boca Juniors, Varela won several honors, including the Argentine Primera División title in 2022, the Copa Argentina in 2020, the Copa de la Liga Profesional in both 2020 and 2022, and the Supercopa Argentina in 2022.

Transition to European Football

In 2023, Varela made a significant move to European football, joining FC Porto. This transition marked a new chapter in his career.

8. Transfer to Porto: On August 16, 2023, Primeira Liga club FC Porto announced the signing of Varela on a five-year contract worth €8 million plus €3 million in performance-related add-ons. This transfer marked a significant move for Varela, as he transitioned from Argentine football to the Portuguese league.

9. Debut at Porto: Varela made his debut for FC Porto on September 3, 2023, coming off the bench to replace Stephen Eustáquio at half-time in a 1-1 league draw against Arouca. His debut was a promising start to his new chapter at the club.

10. First Goal at Porto: On January 20, 2024, Varela scored his first goal for FC Porto in a 5-0 league victory against Moreirense. This goal was a significant milestone in his career, marking his first goal in the Primeira Liga.

International Career and Physical Attributes

Varela's talent has also been recognized at the international level, and his physical attributes make him a formidable player on the field.

11. International Career: In 2019, Varela was selected by Argentina U20 manager Esteban Solari for the COTIF Tournament in Spain. Although he only made two appearances for the U20 team, his selection was a testament to his potential at the international level.

12. Physical Attributes: Varela stands at 177cm tall and weighs 73kg. His physical attributes, combined with his technical skills, make him an effective defensive midfielder capable of covering a lot of ground on the field.

Playing Style and Tactical Understanding

Varela's playing style and tactical understanding set him apart as a versatile and effective midfielder.

13. Playing Style: Known for his aggressive and diligent playing style, Varela excels as a lone pivot at the base of midfield. He can control the tempo of the game and provide security for his teammates.

14. Tactical Understanding: Despite his young age, Varela displays impressive tactical understanding. He frequently drifts into fullback roles to create advantageous passing angles and evade the opposition press, making him vital in both defensive and attacking phases of play.

15. Passing Ability: Varela's passing ability is one of his strongest attributes. He maintains a high pass completion percentage, often recycling the ball effectively to sustain pressure on the opposition. His passing range includes both short, controlled passes and longer, more precise ones.

Contributions and Comparisons

Varela's contributions on the field extend beyond his primary role, making him a valuable asset to any team.

16. Goal-Scoring Ability: Although not a prolific goal-scorer, Varela has shown an ability to contribute goals. In his time at Boca Juniors, he scored a total of two goals, and at Porto, he has already scored two goals in the Primeira Liga.

17. Assist-Providing Ability: Varela is also effective at providing assists. His vision on the field allows him to pick out teammates in scoring positions, making him valuable in both attack and defense.

18. Defensive Contributions: Varela's defensive contributions are significant. He is adept at winning the ball back and distributing it quickly to his teammates, often leading to counter-attacks. His ability to recover the ball and immediately feed an offensive player is an attribute that will undoubtedly serve him well at higher levels.

19. Comparison to Similar Players: According to FBref, Varela's playing style is comparable to other defensive midfielders. His statistics show that he excels in terms of pass completion percentage, progressive passes, and successful take-ons, making him a versatile player capable of adapting to different team strategies.

Future Prospects

Given his current form and potential, Varela is likely to continue attracting attention from top European clubs.

20. Future Prospects: With a release clause of €15 million, Varela remains an attractive option for clubs seeking to bolster their defensive midfield. His ability to thrive in both possession-heavy and counter-attacking teams makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen their midfield.

Alan Varela's Bright Future

Alan Varela's journey from a young talent at Barcelona Luján to a key player for FC Porto showcases his dedication and skill. His time at Boca Juniors, marked by multiple titles, laid a solid foundation for his career. Varela's move to Porto in 2023 for €8 million plus add-ons highlights his growing reputation in European football. Known for his aggressive playing style, tactical understanding, and impressive passing ability, Varela is a versatile midfielder. His contributions in both defense and attack make him a valuable asset. With a release clause of €15 million, top European clubs will likely keep an eye on him. As he continues to develop, Varela's future looks promising, both at the club and international levels. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his career unfolds in the coming years.