Why look at similar players to Joaquín Novillo
Joaquín Novillo, born on February 19, 1998, in Córdoba, Argentina, primarily operates as a central defender. Standing at 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), his playing style is characterized by a strong aerial presence, robust tackling, and an ability to read the game defensively. Scouts and fans often seek comparisons for Novillo to identify players with similar attributes, particularly focusing on those who excel in physical duels, maintain defensive shape, and possess leadership qualities within the backline. His defining traits include a commitment to defensive duties, a good understanding of positional play, and the capacity to initiate attacks with accurate short passes from deep positions. When evaluating comparable players, key metrics often include aerial duel success rate, tackle win percentage, interceptions, and disciplinary records to assess their reliability and effectiveness in central defense. For clubs and coaches, understanding a player's profile through comparisons helps in recruitment, tactical planning, and identifying potential successors or partners in defense. Novillo's consistent performances in Argentine football have made him a reference point for defenders in his age group, particularly those with a strong, traditional centre-back profile.
His career has seen him feature for clubs like Belgrano, Racing Club, and Colón, accumulating experience in Argentina's top flight, the Primera División [1]. Fans looking for similar players might prioritize defenders who are comfortable defending high lines, can execute tactical fouls effectively, and possess the composure to play under pressure. These characteristics are crucial for centre-backs in modern football, where defensive solidity often underpins offensive success. Novillo's profile aligns with defenders who prioritize defensive stability over venturing forward, providing a reliable anchor in the defensive third. His experience in various Argentine clubs also indicates adaptability, a valuable trait for any central defender.
Similar players ranked
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1. Nehuén Pérez — A fellow Argentine centre-back with a similar trajectory
Nehuén Pérez, born June 26, 2000, is an Argentine centre-back currently playing for Udinese in Serie A [2]. Like Novillo, Pérez is a physically imposing defender who excels in aerial duels and one-on-one defending. Both players are known for their commitment and no-nonsense approach to defending, making them reliable options at the heart of the defense. They share a common background in Argentine youth football, progressing through similar pathways to reach professional leagues. Pérez has also represented Argentina at various youth levels, including the Olympic team, showcasing his potential on an international stage [3].
Where they differ significantly is in their exposure to top European leagues. Pérez has spent several seasons in Serie A, including loan spells at Atlético Madrid and Granada, which has arguably refined his tactical understanding and adaptability against a wider range of attacking styles. While Novillo has primarily played in Argentina, Pérez has consistently faced high-caliber opposition, which could give him an edge in terms of experience at an elite level. Pérez also demonstrates slightly more comfort in carrying the ball out of defense, although both prioritize defensive duties.
For statistical comparison, Pérez recorded a higher average of 2.1 successful aerial duels per 90 minutes in the 2024-25 Serie A season, alongside 1.8 tackles and 3.2 clearances, according to Sofascore data [4]. Novillo's numbers in a recent Argentine Primera División season showed 1.9 aerial duels won, 1.6 tackles, and 2.9 clearances per 90, indicating a close defensive output but with Pérez having a slight edge in top-tier European metrics.
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2. Juan Foyth — Versatile Argentine defender with European experience
Juan Foyth, born January 12, 1998, is another Argentine defender who shares a birth year with Novillo and has made a name for himself in European football. Currently playing for Villarreal CF in La Liga, Foyth is primarily a centre-back but has also frequently operated as a right-back, showcasing his versatility [5]. Both Novillo and Foyth possess a strong defensive mindset and are capable in aerial duels. They are both composed on the ball, though neither is known for being a primary ball-progressor.
The main difference lies in Foyth's technical ability and positional flexibility. Foyth's experience at Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal has exposed him to different tactical systems and demands, particularly his development into a reliable right-back. This versatility is a significant differentiator; while Novillo is a more traditional, specialist centre-back, Foyth's ability to cover multiple defensive roles adds another dimension to his game. Foyth also tends to be more comfortable in possession, with a higher pass completion rate, and is more prone to making forward runs when playing as a full-back. Novillo generally sticks to his central defensive duties, focusing on breaking up play.
FBref data from the 2024-25 season shows Foyth averaging 68.5 touches and a 87.2% pass completion rate per 90 minutes across all competitions, reflecting his comfort in possession, even from a defensive position [6]. Novillo's comparable statistics in the Argentine league typically show lower touch counts and slightly lower passing accuracy, indicating a more direct, defensively focused approach.
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3. Gonzalo Montiel — Another Argentine known for defensive solidity and tackling
Gonzalo Montiel, born January 1, 1997, is an Argentine right-back who, while not a centre-back, shares a similar defensive temperament and approach to Novillo. Montiel, currently at Sevilla FC [7], is known for his aggressive tackling, defensive work rate, and ability to shut down opposition wingers. Both players are robust defenders who prioritize winning the ball and maintaining defensive structure, embodying a similar Argentine defensive grit.
Their key difference is their primary position. Montiel operates as a full-back, which requires different offensive contributions, including overlapping runs, crossing, and wider defensive coverage. While both are strong tacklers, Montiel's defensive actions often occur in wider areas, engaging in more one-on-one duels against wingers. Novillo's defensive responsibilities are more centralized, focusing on blocking passing lanes and aerial clearances within the penalty area. Montiel's offensive output, even as a defensively-minded full-back, is higher than Novillo's, who rarely ventures into the final third.
Montiel's statistics from the 2024-25 season for Sevilla in La Liga reflect his full-back role, with an average of 3.1 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, and 0.8 key passes per 90 minutes, according to Sofascore [8]. This contrasts with Novillo's more concentrated central defensive metrics, highlighting the positional distinction while acknowledging a shared defensive intensity and tackling prowess.
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4. Piero Hincapié — Young, physically gifted South American centre-back
Piero Hincapié, born January 9, 2002, is an Ecuadorian centre-back playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga [9]. Hincapié shares Novillo's strong physical attributes and defensive prowess, particularly in aerial duels and aggressive tackling. Both are left-footed, adding a similar balance to the left side of central defense. They are also both known for their competitive spirit and willingness to engage in physical battles with attackers.
The primary difference lies in Hincapié's more refined ball-playing ability and higher ceiling due to his age and experience in a top European league. Hincapié is often involved in Leverkusen's build-up play, demonstrating better progressive passing and dribbling from the back compared to Novillo. His experience in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League has accelerated his development, exposing him to a higher quality of opposition and tactical demands. While Novillo is defensively solid, Hincapié offers more in terms of modern centre-back attributes, including comfort under pressure and ability to break lines with passes.
In the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, Hincapié recorded an average of 0.9 progressive carries and 4.2 progressive passes per 90 minutes, alongside 1.8 tackles and 2.5 clearances, as per FBref [10]. These statistics highlight his dual threat as both a defensive wall and a contributor to offensive transitions, a dimension less pronounced in Novillo's game.
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5. Germán Pezzella — Experienced Argentine centre-back with traditional strengths
Germán Pezzella, born June 27, 1991, is an experienced Argentine centre-back currently at Real Betis in La Liga [11]. Pezzella offers a comparison point for Novillo in terms of a seasoned, traditional Argentine defender. Both possess excellent aerial ability, strong leadership qualities, and a robust defensive approach. They share a similar understanding of positional play and are reliable in set-piece situations, both offensively and defensively.
The key differences are primarily experience and international pedigree. Pezzella has had a long and successful career in top European leagues (Serie A with Fiorentina and La Liga with Betis) and has been a consistent member of the Argentina national team, including winning the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup [12]. This extensive experience at the highest level provides Pezzella with a more refined tactical awareness and decision-making under pressure. While Novillo shows promise in these areas, Pezzella's career longevity and success demonstrate a sustained elite performance level that Novillo is still striving to reach. Pezzella also tends to be a more vocal leader on the pitch, organizing the defense with greater authority.
Pezzella's 2024-25 season statistics show an average of 2.3 aerial duels won, 1.9 tackles, and 4.1 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga, according to Sofascore [13]. These numbers reflect his continued defensive dominance and reliability, setting a high bar for younger defenders like Novillo to emulate in terms of consistency and impact at the top level.
Side-by-side comparison
| Player | Position | Age (as of 2026-05-21) | Current Club (2025-26 Season) | International Caps (Senior) | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquín Novillo | Centre-back | 28 | (Various Argentine clubs) | 0 | Aerial prowess, strong tackler |
| Nehuén Pérez | Centre-back | 25 | Udinese (ITA) | 1 (Argentina) | Physical defender, European exposure |
| Juan Foyth | Centre-back / Right-back | 28 | Villarreal CF (ESP) | 18 (Argentina) | Versatility, composed on ball |
| Gonzalo Montiel | Right-back | 29 | Sevilla FC (ESP) | 29 (Argentina) | Aggressive tackling, World Cup winner |
| Piero Hincapié | Centre-back | 24 | Bayer Leverkusen (GER) | 31 (Ecuador) | Ball-playing defender, progressive passes |
| Germán Pezzella | Centre-back | 34 | Real Betis (ESP) | 39 (Argentina) | Experienced leader, traditional CB |
How to pick the right comparison
When selecting a comparable player to Joaquín Novillo, the choice largely depends on the specific defensive attributes or career trajectory one prioritizes. If the focus is purely on a traditional, no-nonsense centre-back who excels in aerial duels and robust tackling, then players like Germán Pezzella offer a strong, experienced benchmark. Pezzella embodies the strong, reliable Argentine defender who prioritizes defensive solidity and leadership from the back, much like Novillo's core strengths, but with the added layer of extensive top-flight and international experience.
For those interested in a younger player with similar physical attributes but who has developed more refined ball-playing skills and European exposure, Piero Hincapié is an excellent comparison. While sharing Novillo's defensive commitment, Hincapié's ability to contribute to build-up play and his experience in the Bundesliga highlight a more modern centre-back profile. If a club or scout is looking for a defender who can adapt to a higher tempo league and offers more in possession, Hincapié's profile would be more relevant.
If versatility and tactical flexibility are key considerations, particularly the ability to play both centre-back and full-back, then Juan Foyth becomes a compelling comparison. Foyth's development into a reliable right-back while maintaining his central defensive capabilities showcases adaptability that Novillo has not yet demonstrated to the same extent. His experience in La Liga and the Premier League also suggests a higher level of technical comfort under pressure.
Finally, for a direct peer in terms of age and early career progression within a similar national context, Nehuén Pérez is a very close match. Both are Argentine centre-backs who came through the ranks with similar defensive profiles. Pérez's move to Serie A provides a slightly different career path but reinforces the defensive capabilities that are characteristic of both players. Choosing Pérez as a comparison helps evaluate Novillo's potential trajectory if he were to transition to a major European league.
The choice of comparison also hinges on whether one values current achievement and stability (Pezzella), future potential and ball-playing ability (Hincapié), tactical versatility (Foyth), or a direct positional and national peer (Pérez). Each comparison offers a distinct lens through which to evaluate Novillo's strengths and areas for potential growth.
Why Joaquín Novillo comparisons matter
Comparisons for players like Joaquín Novillo are crucial for several reasons within the football ecosystem, serving various stakeholders from scouts and coaches to journalists and fans. For professional clubs, these comparisons are fundamental for recruitment, helping identify potential transfer targets who possess a similar profile to a current player or one identified as essential for a specific tactical system. If a coach seeks a physically dominant, aerially strong centre-back, comparing Novillo to established players with those traits allows them to assess suitability and potential impact without relying solely on raw data.
For player development, comparisons provide a roadmap. A coach might show Novillo clips of Germán Pezzella to illustrate defensive positioning or leadership qualities, offering tangible examples for improvement. This benchmarking against similar players, especially those who have achieved higher levels of success, can motivate and guide a player's development path.
Journalists and pundits use comparisons to contextualize a player's performance and potential for audiences. Stating that Novillo has a similar defensive intensity to Gonzalo Montiel, for example, immediately provides a familiar reference point, allowing fans to understand his style of play more easily. This helps build narratives, analyze tactical implications, and foster discussion around player abilities.
Moreover, for agents and advisors, understanding a player's comparisons helps in career planning and market valuation. If Novillo is consistently compared to players excelling in top European leagues, it strengthens his case for a move abroad or a higher contract. As the renowned football analyst Michael Cox once stated, "Comparisons are not about claiming one player is another, but about understanding the fundamental qualities and roles they fulfil on the pitch."