Overview
Jonathan Matías Urretavizcaya da Costa, commonly referred to as 'Urreta', is a Uruguayan professional footballer born on March 19, 1990, in Montevideo. Primarily deployed as a forward, Urretavizcaya has built a career characterized by his significant contributions from wide attacking positions. Standing at 1.74 meters, his physical attributes align with the profile of a dynamic winger or a secondary striker capable of exploiting defensive spaces. His career trajectory has seen him represent clubs in Uruguay, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, accumulating diverse experience across different footballing cultures and tactical systems.
Position
Urretavizcaya's primary role throughout his career has been that of a wide forward or winger. He is adept at playing on either flank, though he often favors the right wing, allowing him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. His responsibilities typically involve providing width, taking on defenders in one-on-one situations, and delivering crosses into the box, or driving towards goal himself. He has also occasionally been utilized as an attacking midfielder or a support striker, leveraging his ability to link play and make late runs into the penalty area.
Identity
Jonathan Urretavizcaya is best identified as a 'direct attacking threat'. His game is built around pace, dribbling skill, and an aggressive forward-thinking mentality. He consistently looks to challenge opposition defenders, using his acceleration and close control to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. This direct approach often sees him involved in offensive transitions, where his ability to carry the ball quickly upfield can turn defense into attack rapidly.
Career path
Jonathan Urretavizcaya began his football journey in the youth ranks of River Plate Montevideo, one of Uruguay's established clubs. His progression through their academy culminated in his senior debut, marking the beginning of a professional career that would span continents.
Danubio F.C. and Benfica
After initial strides at River Plate, Urretavizcaya's potential was recognized by S.L. Benfica, who signed him in 2008. His time in Portugal, however, saw him primarily on loan spells to gain first-team experience. He returned to Uruguay for a loan stint at C.A. Peñarol in 2010. This period proved crucial for his development, as he gained significant playing time and contributed to Peñarol's campaigns.
Peñarol and later European spells
Following his initial loan, Urretavizcaya returned to Peñarol on a permanent basis. His performances continued to draw attention, leading to another move to Europe, this time to Deportivo La Coruña in Spain, on loan from Benfica for the 2011–12 season [Transfermarkt]. He also had a brief loan spell back in Portugal with Vitória S.C. before returning to South America.
Consolidation in Mexico
A significant phase of Urretavizcaya's career unfolded in Mexico, where he joined Pachuca in 2015 [Wikipedia]. He established himself as a key player for Pachuca, contributing to their Liga MX success. His tenure in Mexico was marked by consistent performances and a more settled role in a competitive league. After Pachuca, he moved to Monterrey in 2018, continuing his presence in the Mexican top flight [Transfermarkt]. He later joined C.A. Peñarol for a third spell in 2020, followed by a move to Rentistas in 2021.
Recent career
After his time in Uruguay, Urretavizcaya moved to Argentina, joining Platense in 2022. This move marked another chapter in his extensive career, bringing his experience to the Argentine Primera División. His journey reflects a player who has consistently sought opportunities to play and contribute across various competitive football environments.
Playing style
Jonathan Urretavizcaya's playing style is characterized by his dynamic offensive contributions, primarily from wide areas. He is a forward who relies heavily on his speed, dribbling ability, and vision to impact games. His movements often involve receiving the ball out wide, then driving inwards or along the touchline to create chances.
Technical Attributes
- Pace and Acceleration: Urretavizcaya possesses significant acceleration, which he utilizes effectively to beat defenders in footraces and to exploit spaces behind the defensive line. This attribute makes him a constant threat on the counter-attack.
- Dribbling: His close control and agility allow him to navigate tight spaces and take on opponents in one-on-one situations. He often uses changes of pace and direction to unbalance defenders, drawing fouls or creating openings for shots and passes.
- Crossing and Passing: While primarily a direct runner, Urretavizcaya also demonstrates an ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box, particularly when operating from the right wing and cutting onto his stronger right foot. His passing range supports quick transitions and link-up play with central midfielders and strikers.
- Work Rate: Despite his offensive focus, Urretavizcaya typically exhibits a solid work rate, contributing to defensive duties by tracking back and pressing opposition full-backs. This commitment adds another dimension to his overall contribution to the team's structure.
Comparable Players
In terms of playing style and role, Urretavizcaya can be compared to players who combine pace with direct attacking intent from wide positions. His ability to run with the ball and create chances often draws parallels with wingers who prioritize penetration and dynamism. While specific statistical comparisons would require detailed data analysis from platforms like FBref.com or Sofascore, his overall approach to the game aligns with that of a traditional wide forward capable of both scoring and assisting.
Achievements & honours
Jonathan Urretavizcaya's career has seen him accumulate several team honors across various clubs and competitions, particularly during his spells in South America. His contributions have been instrumental in securing titles for his respective teams.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Peñarol | Uruguayan Primera División | 2009–10 |
| Peñarol | Uruguayan Primera División | 2012–13 |
| Pachuca | Liga MX | Clausura 2016 |
| Pachuca | CONCACAF Champions League | 2016–17 [CONCACAF] |
| Monterrey | Liga MX | Apertura 2019 [Wikipedia] |
| Monterrey | CONCACAF Champions League | 2019 [CONCACAF] |
His time with Pachuca was particularly notable, contributing to their Liga MX Clausura title in 2016 and the CONCACAF Champions League in 2016–17, which secured a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup. He also achieved domestic success with Peñarol in Uruguay and Monterrey in Mexico.
International career
Jonathan Urretavizcaya has represented Uruguay at various levels, culminating in appearances for the senior national team, known as La Celeste. His international journey began with youth selections, where he showcased his potential on a global stage.
Youth International
Urretavizcaya was a prominent member of Uruguay's youth teams. He notably participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009 [FIFA]. These experiences provided him with crucial exposure to international competition and development alongside future senior national team players.
Senior National Team
His senior debut for the Uruguay national football team came in a friendly match against Peru in 2017. He subsequently earned several caps for his country, primarily featuring in attacking roles from the bench or as a wide option. While not a perennial starter, his ability to provide pace and directness made him a valuable option for the national team coach, particularly in situations requiring a change of tempo or an offensive injection.
He was part of the Uruguay squad that participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia [FIFA]. Although his playing time was limited during the tournament, his inclusion in such a prestigious event underscored his standing within Uruguayan football and his recognition as a player capable of performing at the highest level.
What makes Jonathan Urretavizcaya stand out
Jonathan Urretavizcaya stands out primarily due to his explosive speed and relentless directness in attack. Unlike some wingers who prioritize intricate passing, Urreta’s natural inclination is to drive at defenders, commit them, and either beat them with a dribble or deliver a quick pass or shot. This forward-thinking mentality makes him a constant threat in transition and an effective player for breaking down stubborn defenses.
His ability to play effectively on both flanks, coupled with an eagerness to track back and contribute defensively, adds another layer to his value. He is not merely an attacking luxury but a player who understands the tactical demands of modern football, making him a useful asset in various systems. His experience across multiple leagues and continents also highlights an adaptability that is not always common among players of his profile.
“Urreta’s pace and willingness to run at defenders are his biggest assets. He always looks to make something happen.”