CanMNT forward Cyle Larin proving to be perfect fit for Real Valladolid
When Cyle Larin arrived at Real Valladolid on loan from Club Brugge in January 2023, few could have predicted the impact he would have on the team.
However, in just 12 games, he's helped Valladolid to climb out of the relegation zone, looking completely reborn up front in his new club's system.
Larin’s arrival at Valladolid was somewhat unexpected, but it has proven to be a masterstroke by the club’s management. The 26-year-old was getting little to no game time at Club Brugge, which led to him asking for a loan move in the winter transfer market. A few La Liga clubs came knocking, and after weighing up his options, he chose Valladolid.
So far, it's been a perfect match.
In particular, his goalscoring abilities have been a massive boost to Valladolid's attack. He has a natural eye for goal and is equally comfortable finishing with either foot and his head. His six goals in just 12 games are an impressive return, and his ability to find the back of the net has helped to ease the pressure on his teammates.
It’s worth noting that Real Valladolid has struggled for goals this season. Before Larin's arrival, Valladolid had scored just 14 goals in their first 21 games, making them one of the lowest-scoring teams in the division. Larin's arrival has injected a much-needed dose of firepower into the team, and his six goals, averaging 2.6 shots per game, have already made him Valladolid's top scorer of the season in La Liga play, surpassing forward Sergio Leon.
What's impressive about Larin's goalscoring record is that he's done it in a team that has struggled for chances, too. Valladolid are one of the lowest-scoring teams in La Liga, and they've averaged just 3.9 shots per game this season, which is one of the lowest in the league. Yet, Larin has still managed to score at a rate of one goal every two games.
But it’s not just his goalscoring ability that has impressed at Valladolid. Larin’s link-up play and ability to create chances for his teammates have also been vital, creating three big chances in the league. He has already provided two assists in his short time at the club, and his ability to combine with his fellow attackers has helped to create numerous scoring opportunities for others.
¡𝗔𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗼!
— Real Valladolid C.F. 💜 (@realvalladolid) April 27, 2023
Vaya jugada se inventaron Fresneda y Larin 😱#LaLigaHighlights #ValenciaRealValladolid pic.twitter.com/GbmpYHnERg
Another reason why Larin has been so successful at Valladolid is his ability to play in different positions. While he's primarily a striker, he's also played as a second striker and as a number 10, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. This has allowed previous Valladolid coach Pacheta and current coach Paulo Pezzolano to use him in different formations and tactics, which has kept the opposition guessing and made Valladolid a more unpredictable team.
Larin’s work rate and energy have also been vital to Valladolid’s success. He has a tireless work ethic and is always willing to chase lost causes, putting pressure on opposition defenders and creating space for his teammates. His high-intensity pressing has been a key feature of Valladolid’s play, and it has helped them to dominate possession and control games.
Larin's physical attributes have also been a factor in his success. Standing at 6'2", he's a powerful and athletic striker who is difficult to push off the ball. This has made him a handful for defenders in La Liga, who have struggled to contain him in one-on-one situations. His strength in the air has also been an asset, with one of his six goals coming from headers, and a few others coming off of aerial crosses.
ICYMI from the AM, here’s Cyle Larin scoring a 90th minute winner for Real Valladolid on his La Liga debut today
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) January 29, 2023
Great finish from him#CanMNTpic.twitter.com/GzlvUZIQaB
The success at Valladolid isn't just down to his individual attributes, however. He's also benefitted from the team's style of play, which has suited his strengths. Valladolid are a team that likes to play on the counterattack, and they've relied on quick transitions and direct play to create chances this season. This has played to Larin's strengths, as he's a player who likes to run in behind the opposition defence and make runs into the channels.
Larin has also benefitted from the service he's received from his teammates. While Valladolid haven't created a lot of chances this season, creating just 40 big chances in La Liga, scoring 27 of them, they create high-quality opportunities, which midfielder Monchu and winger Gonzalo Plata leading the way in that regard.
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about Larin’s impact at Valladolid is how he has adapted to the rigours of La Liga. The Spanish top flight is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and competitive leagues in the world, but Larin has shown that he has the ability and mentality to succeed at the highest level.
Larin has been a revelation for Real Valladolid this season, and that's reflected in his newfound support, as his play has made "Larinismo" run rampant among fans of his lub.
His versatility, work rate, goalscoring ability, and link-up play have all been vital to the club’s success, and his impact has been felt both on and off the pitch. If Valladolid are to continue their recent form and avoid relegation, they might just end up making his loan move permanent, allowing him to build on this form into next season.
