Scouting Analysis: What To Expect From Anderson Julio At Real Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake announced the signing of Anderson Julio on loan. What role should fans expect from him? What are his strengths and how impactful can he be for RSL in the attacking third?

I have had the pleasure of speaking with Manager Freddy Juarez on a number of occasions regarding his coaching strategy and philosophy. Juarez has preached to me that when RSL retains the ball in transition, he hopes that his players first thought is to play the ball over the back (in the air or on the ground) of the opposing backline in an attempt to utilize the space between the defenders and goalkeeper.

Perfect Fit For Juarez, RSL

In order to correctly execute a long through ball, the receiving player must have pace.

❤️💙💛 pic.twitter.com/UqfNqPxSjY

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 12, 2021

Fortunately, Julio is known for his speed. He is electric when he decides to turn his jets on. It does not take him long to get into top gear and when he does he blows by everybody.

“When we scouted him [Anderson Julio] a year ago we found a player that loves to get vertical,” Juarez said in his Friday press conference. “He is going to look for that first, he is going to want to go one-on-one with guys when he is isolated…That is what got our attention when it came to his qualities and his fit with how we want to play,” Juarez added.

Versatility

Julio is dynamic, yet also very versatile. He has showcased his ability to play at all positions across the front three, however, his preferred position lies on the right flank. Last October, however, Julio played as the number nine for Atlético San Luis and he did not look out of sorts.

He uses his speed to get to the touchline and run around defenders. He can also, and will also, cut inside and use the laces of his preferred right foot to power the ball past the goalkeeper.

When playing on the flank, Julio will often drift centrally to help open space for the fullbacks to operate in. When he receives the ball he is confident and skilled enough to beat opposing defenders off the dribble.

a little preview 👀 pic.twitter.com/DWkXRwVM1w

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 12, 2021

Fortunately, Julio is not just a fast and electric winger. He is strong and physical and he uses his 5 foot 7 frames to his advantage. He is incredibly difficult to nudge off the ball as his low center of gravity and incredibly strong physique make life difficult for defenders to tackle him.

He is a good crosser of the ball and has frequently provided assists for his teammates throughout his career.

In a social post uploaded by Real Salt Lake, Manager Freddy Juarez also admits that his defensive work ethic was another characteristic of his game that he is excited to see.

"Quality." pic.twitter.com/GIboBhNMy4

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 12, 2021

“On the other side of the ball, he works for the team,” Juarez said. “When we are up against the ball he is going to track back, he is going to pressure.”

Julio is not a complete player, he has tendencies that he must improve upon. But when it comes to slotting Julio into the starting eleven it is a no-brainer. Julio will likely start every game in which he is healthy to do so.

His skill set brings a level of excitement that has not been seen at RSL since the departure of Jefferson Savarino. He will entertain the fans and hopefully help bring fans back into Rio Tinto Stadium following the disappointing season from a year ago when of course it is safe to do so.