Overview
Marlos Moreno is a Colombian professional footballer who operates predominantly as a forward. Known for his explosive pace and direct attacking style, Moreno emerged from the youth ranks of Atlético Nacional in his native Medellín, quickly gaining recognition for his talent. His early performances led to a high-profile move to Manchester City, although his career has since been characterized by numerous loan spells across various leagues, including Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and Portugal. Moreno has also earned caps for the Colombia national team.
Position
Moreno is primarily deployed as a forward. Throughout his career, he has showcased versatility, playing equally effectively as a winger on either flank or as a secondary striker. His natural inclination is to run at defenders, utilizing his speed and dribbling to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates. This flexibility allows coaches to adapt his role based on tactical requirements, whether as part of a front three or supporting a central striker.
Identity
Often identified as a 'scintillating winger' or 'pacey forward,' Moreno's headline identity centers on his ability to disrupt defensive lines with his acceleration and close control. He thrives in transition moments, where his quick bursts of speed can exploit space behind opposition defenses. While his career trajectory has seen him move between many clubs, his core attributes as a direct, attacking threat have remained consistent, making him a player capable of producing moments of individual brilliance.
Career path
Atlético Nacional
Marlos Moreno began his football journey in the youth academy of Atlético Nacional, one of Colombia's most successful clubs. He made his senior debut for the club in 2014. His breakthrough season came in 2016, where he played a pivotal role in Nacional's Copa Libertadores triumph, scoring three goals during the competition (Wikipedia). His performances at such a young age, particularly in a prestigious continental competition, attracted significant attention from European clubs.
Manchester City and subsequent loans
In August 2016, Moreno completed a transfer to English Premier League club Manchester City, signing a five-year contract (Transfermarkt). However, he did not feature for City's first team. Instead, he immediately embarked on a series of loan spells to gain senior experience. His first loan destination was Deportivo La Coruña in La Liga for the 2016-17 season, where he made 19 appearances (Transfermarkt).
Subsequent loan moves saw him play for Girona FC in Spain (2017-18), Flamengo in Brazil (2018), and Santos Laguna in Mexico (2019) (Transfermarkt). He then moved to Portimonense S.C. in Portugal for the 2019-20 season, followed by Lommel SK in Belgium (2020-21). Each spell provided him with varied experiences in different footballing cultures and leagues.
Transfer to Troyes and latest loan
In July 2021, Moreno made a permanent move to French club ES Troyes AC, part of the City Football Group (Transfermarkt). He featured for Troyes in Ligue 1 before being loaned out again. For the 2022-23 season, he joined K.V. Kortrijk in Belgium. Currently, for the 2023-24 season, he is on loan at C.A. Tigre in Argentina, continuing his journey of seeking regular first-team football (Transfermarkt).
Playing style
Marlos Moreno's playing style is defined by his athleticism and direct approach. As a forward, his most prominent attribute is his blistering pace, which allows him to operate effectively in wide areas or as a striker capable of running in behind defenses. This speed is complemented by his dribbling ability; he possesses good close control and the quick feet required to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
Moreno's preference is to receive the ball wide, or just outside the opposition's defensive block, before driving towards goal or cutting inside to create shooting opportunities. Data from sources like Sofascore often highlights his contribution to offensive actions, including key passes and successful dribbles. While not a traditional target man, his movement off the ball is a key component of his game, enabling him to find pockets of space.
Comparisons in terms of raw speed and directness have sometimes been drawn to players known for their explosive athleticism, though Moreno's consistency in end product has varied throughout his career. His defensive work rate, particularly when deployed as a winger, typically involves tracking back and contributing to pressing schemes, aligning with modern footballing demands for forwards to participate in defense.
His finishing can be powerful, and he is capable of scoring goals from inside and outside the box, often after a surging run. However, like many young wingers, refining his decision-making in the final third and improving his crossing accuracy have been areas for development.
Achievements & honours
Marlos Moreno's early career was marked by significant club success with Atlético Nacional, which remains the highlight of his trophy cabinet. He played a crucial role in their continental triumph, an achievement that cemented his status as a promising talent in South American football.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Atlético Nacional | Categoría Primera A | 2015 Apertura |
| Atlético Nacional | Copa Libertadores | 2016 |
Individual Milestones
While specific individual awards are not widely documented, Moreno's impact in the 2016 Copa Libertadores was noted by many. His performances, including crucial goals, were instrumental in Atlético Nacional's path to becoming continental champions (FIFA). This period represents the pinnacle of his output in terms of high-stakes competitive football.
International career
Marlos Moreno earned his first call-up to the Colombia national team in 2016, following his impressive performances for Atlético Nacional. He made his senior debut for the Cafeteros on 24 March 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bolivia (FIFA).
Moreno was subsequently included in Colombia's squad for the Copa América Centenario in June 2016. During the tournament, he scored his first and only international goal to date against Costa Rica in the group stage (Wikipedia). He played a role in Colombia's third-place finish in the competition.
In total, Moreno has accumulated 8 caps for the national team, scoring 1 goal (Transfermarkt). His international appearances predominantly occurred during 2016 and 2017, coinciding with the period of his greatest form and exposure at the club level. While he has not been a regular fixture in recent national team squads, his early contributions showcased his potential on the international stage.
What makes Marlos Moreno stand out
Marlos Moreno stands out primarily for his exceptional speed and direct dribbling. His ability to accelerate rapidly and carry the ball past defenders is a defining characteristic, allowing him to create offensive opportunities from seemingly innocuous situations. This explosive pace makes him a difficult opponent to contain in open play, particularly when he has space to run into.
Another distinguishing trait is his knack for producing moments of individual brilliance, often demonstrated by his strong runs and attempts at goal. His memorable performances during the Copa Libertadores 2016 campaign, where he consistently troubled defenses and contributed vital goals, serve as a testament to his capacity to perform under pressure.
"Moreno's raw talent and ability to change a game with his pace are undeniable. He's a player who thrives on taking risks and beating his man."