Overview
Manuel Lanzini, born on 15 February 1993, is an Argentine professional footballer who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder. Known for his technical proficiency, close control, and ability to unlock defenses, Lanzini has built a career across various leagues, showcasing his playmaking attributes. Hailing from Ituzaingó, Argentina, he stands at 1.67 meters, a stature that belies his impact in midfield through agility and a low center of gravity. His career has seen him play in Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, and notably in the English Premier League, where he established himself as a creative force.
Position
Lanzini is predominantly an attacking midfielder, often deployed as a number ten or in a central midfield role with creative responsibilities. His preferred position allows him to influence the game in the final third, linking play between the midfield and attack. He possesses the vision and passing range to create goal-scoring opportunities for teammates, alongside an ability to carry the ball forward and draw defenders. While his primary role is creative, he is also capable of operating wider in midfield, cutting inside to combine or shoot.
Identity
Manuel Lanzini's identity on the pitch is characterized by his technical elegance and creative intelligence. He is often described as a 'trequartista' or a 'number 10' due to his capacity to dictate tempo, deliver incisive passes, and execute dribbles in tight spaces. His ability to perform under pressure and maintain possession, even when marked, is a hallmark of his game. Lanzini's career has been punctuated by moments of individual brilliance, often involving intricate footwork or decisive through balls, underlining his reputation as a technically gifted playmaker.
Career path
Manuel Lanzini's football journey began in Argentina, where he progressed through the youth ranks before embarking on a career that took him to different continents.
River Plate
Lanzini started his professional career at River Plate, one of Argentina's most storied clubs. He made his senior debut for the club in August 2010 at the age of 17, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent within the squad. His initial spell saw him gain valuable experience in the Argentine Primera División. During his time at River, he made 90 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 16 assists. Transfermarkt indicates his first departure from River Plate was a loan move in 2011.
Fluminense (Loan)
In 2011, Lanzini moved to Brazilian club Fluminense on a season-long loan. This move provided him with exposure to another competitive South American league and further developed his skills. He made 37 appearances for the Brazilian side, scoring 5 goals and registering 3 assists, before returning to River Plate in 2012 [Transfermarkt].
Return to River Plate
Upon his return, Lanzini became an increasingly integral part of the River Plate team, showcasing his creative abilities and contributing significantly to their attacking play.
Al Jazira Club
In August 2014, Lanzini made a move to the UAE Pro League, joining Al Jazira Club. This transfer marked a new chapter in his career, providing him with a different cultural and footballing experience. He spent one season with Al Jazira, making 25 appearances, scoring 8 goals and contributing 10 assists [Transfermarkt].
West Ham United
Lanzini's most significant move to European football came in July 2015, when he joined West Ham United on an initial loan deal, which was made permanent in March 2016 [Transfermarkt]. His tenure at West Ham saw him become a key player in their midfield, known for his flair, dribbling, and crucial goals. Over his time with the Hammers, he made over 200 appearances across various competitions, becoming a fan favourite and a consistent presence in the team's creative engine room.
Playing style
Manuel Lanzini's playing style is characterized by a blend of technical finesse, intelligent movement, and creative vision, making him an archetypal attacking midfielder. His primary strengths lie in his ability to operate effectively in tight spaces and his capacity to unlock defenses.
Technical Attributes
Lanzini possesses excellent close control and dribbling skills, allowing him to navigate past opponents with ease. This enables him to retain possession under pressure and drive the ball forward from midfield. His agility and low center of gravity contribute to his effectiveness in one-on-one situations. Furthermore, his passing range is a significant asset, capable of delivering both short, intricate passes in congested areas and longer, incisive through balls to split defensive lines. FBref data often highlights his progressive carries and passes into the final third, underscoring his forward-thinking approach.
Creative Vision and Movement
As a number ten, Lanzini excels at finding pockets of space between the opposition's midfield and defense. His intelligent off-the-ball movement allows him to receive passes in dangerous areas, where he can then turn and face the goal. He displays a keen awareness of his teammates' positions, often anticipating runs and delivering passes into their path. His decision-making in the final third is generally astute, opting for either a shot on goal, a through ball, or a layoff to a better-positioned teammate. His ability to create chances is a consistent feature of his game, reflected in statistics regarding key passes and expected assists (xA) [Sofascore].
Comparisons and Impact
Lanzini's style has drawn comparisons to other technically gifted South American playmakers who rely on skill and vision over sheer physicality. Players like Juan Román Riquelme or Pablo Aimar, known for their ability to dictate play and deliver decisive passes, share some stylistic similarities with Lanzini. While not a prolific goalscorer, his goals often come from well-timed runs into the box or moments of individual brilliance, including long-range efforts. His influence extends to set-piece delivery, where his quality crossing can create further opportunities for his team.
Achievements & honours
Manuel Lanzini's career has seen him lift several trophies and achieve significant milestones across different leagues and competitions.
Club Honours
Lanzini has been part of successful teams in Argentina, Brazil, and England, contributing to their trophy cabinets.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| River Plate | Primera B Nacional | 2011–12 |
| Fluminense | Campeonato Brasileiro Série A | 2012 |
| West Ham United | UEFA Europa Conference League | 2022–23 |
Individual Milestones
Throughout his career, Lanzini has reached various personal milestones, including making over 200 appearances for West Ham United, marking a significant period of his professional career in one of Europe's top leagues. His contributions to the team have often been recognized by fans and pundits alike, particularly for his creative output and ability to influence games from midfield. His role in West Ham's 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph was a significant achievement, contributing to the club's first major European trophy in decades [UEFA.com].
International career
Manuel Lanzini has represented the Argentina national team, earning caps at the senior level and participating in various international fixtures.
Senior Debut and Appearances
Lanzini made his senior debut for Argentina in June 2017, featuring in a friendly match against Brazil [FIFA.com]. His performances at club level, particularly during his time with West Ham United, brought him to the attention of the national team selectors. He has since accumulated several caps for La Albiceleste, featuring in World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches.
Role for the National Team
For the national team, Lanzini has typically been utilized in a creative midfield role, similar to his club position. His ability to link play, dribble past opponents, and provide through balls has been seen as an asset for Argentina's attacking setup. While he has faced significant competition for places within a squad rich in attacking talent, Lanzini has provided a valuable option from midfield, offering technical quality and vision.
Major Tournaments
Lanzini was notably part of Argentina's provisional squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, an injury sustained shortly before the tournament unfortunately ruled him out of the final squad [Wikipedia]. Despite this setback, his inclusion in the preliminary squad underscored his standing as a key creative player for his nation at that time. He continues to be an option for Argentina, particularly in periods of squad rotation or when a specific creative impetus is required in midfield.
What makes Manuel Lanzini stand out
Manuel Lanzini stands out primarily due to his exceptional technical ability and creative intelligence in midfield. His capacity to operate effectively in congested areas, using close control and quick feet to evade markers, is a defining trait. This allows him to maintain possession and progress the ball in situations where other players might struggle. Furthermore, his vision for a pass, particularly his ability to deliver incisive through balls, makes him a constant threat in the final third. He has a knack for finding pockets of space and exploiting them, often leading to critical chances for his team.
Another distinguishing feature is his flair and willingness to attempt the unexpected. Lanzini often produces moments of individual skill, whether it's a clever flick, a nutmeg, or a well-placed shot from outside the box, adding an unpredictable element to his team's attack. This combination of technical proficiency and creative audacity makes him a compelling player to watch. His adaptability to different midfield roles, from a deeper playmaker to an advanced number ten, also highlights his footballing intelligence.
He's a player who can open up defenses with a single pass or a moment of magic. His vision is exceptional.