Overview
Matías Kranevitter, born on May 21, 1993, in Yerba Buena, Argentina, is a professional footballer primarily operating as a defensive midfielder. Standing at 1.78 m, Kranevitter is recognized for his disciplined approach to the game, often serving as the anchor in midfield, breaking up opposition play, and initiating attacks from deep positions. His career has seen him play for notable clubs across Argentina and Europe, including River Plate, Atlético Madrid, and Zenit Saint Petersburg, before returning to his boyhood club. He has also earned caps for the Argentina national team.
Position
Kranevitter is a quintessential number six, a deep-lying midfielder whose primary responsibilities include screening the defense, winning back possession, and distributing the ball with accuracy. His understanding of space and timing allows him to intercept passes and disrupt opposition rhythm effectively. He is often deployed in a single pivot or as part of a double pivot, providing a stable base for more attacking midfielders.
Identity
Often dubbed a 'destroyer' or 'regista' due to his dual capabilities in breaking up play and orchestrating it, Kranevitter's identity on the pitch is defined by his defensive intelligence and composed passing. He is not a player known for flashy dribbles or goal-scoring prowess, but rather for his consistent, reliable performances in the engine room of the team. His ability to read the game and make crucial interventions makes him a valuable asset for any side.
Career path
Matías Kranevitter's football journey began in the youth ranks of River Plate, one of Argentina's most storied clubs. He progressed through their academy system, making his senior debut for the club in 2012. His performances quickly established him as a key player, contributing to a period of significant success for River Plate.
River Plate (2012-2015, 2023-Present)
Kranevitter's initial spell at River Plate saw him become an integral part of Marcelo Gallardo's successful teams. He debuted on 26 August 2012, playing a pivotal role in their Copa Sudamericana triumph in 2014 and the historic Copa Libertadores victory in 2015 Wikipedia. His consistent displays attracted attention from European clubs, leading to his transfer.
Atlético Madrid (2015-2017)
In August 2015, Kranevitter joined Spanish giants Atlético Madrid Transfermarkt. However, competition for places in Diego Simeone's midfield was intense. He spent the 2015-2016 season with Atlético before being loaned out to gain more first-team experience.
Loan Spells: Sevilla & Zenit Saint Petersburg (2016-2019)
He moved to Sevilla on loan for the 2016-2017 season, where he made 32 appearances across all competitions Soccerway. Following his time in Spain, Kranevitter was then transferred to Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg in August 2017 Transfermarkt, initially on a permanent deal. He became a regular starter for Zenit, winning the Russian Premier League title with them in 2019.
Monterrey (2020-2022)
In January 2020, Kranevitter moved to Liga MX side Monterrey, where he continued to play a crucial role in midfield. His tenure in Mexico provided him with consistent playing time and further experience in a competitive league.
Return to River Plate (2023-Present)
In December 2022, Matías Kranevitter made an emotional return to River Plate, signing a permanent deal with his boyhood club Transfermarkt. This move reunited him with the club where he achieved significant success and where he continues to be a respected figure among the fans.
Playing style
Matías Kranevitter's playing style is characterized by his tactical discipline, exceptional ball-winning abilities, and efficient distribution. As a defensive midfielder, he excels at breaking up opposition attacks and providing a protective screen for the backline. His intelligence allows him to anticipate plays, making timely interceptions and tackles without often resorting to fouls.
One of his key attributes is his positional awareness. Kranevitter consistently places himself in optimal areas to cut off passing lanes and recover possession. This is often reflected in his high numbers for pressures and tackles won, as seen in data from platforms like FBref FBref. He is not a player who chases the ball indiscriminately but rather uses his understanding of the game to be in the right place at the right time.
In possession, Kranevitter is a reliable passer. He rarely attempts overly ambitious passes, preferring instead to maintain possession and recycle the ball efficiently. His pass completion rates are typically high, facilitating quick transitions from defense to attack. While not a primary creative force, his ability to switch play and feed attacking players is crucial for building offensive movements.
Comparisons have often been drawn to players like Javier Mascherano or even a more defensively oriented Sergio Busquets in terms of his role and influence on the team's structure. Like these players, Kranevitter provides the crucial balance that allows more attack-minded teammates to flourish, knowing they have a solid foundation behind them. His work rate is also commendable, as he covers significant ground to support both defensive and offensive phases of play.
Achievements & honours
Matías Kranevitter has accumulated a significant number of team honours throughout his career, particularly with River Plate and Zenit Saint Petersburg. His contributions as a defensive midfielder have been instrumental in securing several major titles for his clubs.
His most notable successes came during his initial spell at River Plate, where he was a key figure in their continental triumphs. He also added a league title during his time in Russia.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| River Plate | Copa Sudamericana | 2014 |
| River Plate | Recopa Sudamericana | 2015 |
| River Plate | Copa Libertadores | 2015 |
| River Plate | Suruga Bank Championship | 2015 |
| Zenit Saint Petersburg | Russian Premier League | 2018–19 |
International career
Matías Kranevitter has represented the Argentina national team, earning 11 caps for his country Transfermarkt. His debut for the La Albiceleste came in September 2015. He was called up during a period of transition and strong competition in the Argentine midfield, which featured numerous high-profile players.
Kranevitter was part of the Argentina squad that reached the final of the Copa América Centenario in 2016, though he did not feature extensively in the tournament. His role for the national team typically mirrored his club duties: providing a defensive shield, breaking up play, and ensuring stable possession in the midfield. Despite not becoming a consistent starter, his inclusions reflected his consistent club form and tactical reliability.
His international appearances have often come in friendly matches or as a squad player in competitive fixtures, showcasing his depth and utility to various national team managers. While he has not scored any goals for Argentina, his impact has been in the fundamental aspects of midfield control and defensive solidity.
What makes Matías Kranevitter stand out
Matías Kranevitter stands out primarily for his exceptional ability to read the game and his disciplined approach to the defensive midfield role. His anticipation allows him to intercept passes and make crucial tackles, often preventing opposition attacks from developing into dangerous situations. He is a master of positional play, rarely caught out of position, and always seems to be where the ball is about to be.
Another distinctive trait is his composure under pressure. Kranevitter exhibits a calmness on the ball even when pressed by opponents, consistently making simple, effective passes to retain possession and build attacks. He is not a player who seeks the limelight, but rather focuses on the fundamental aspects of his role, which often go unnoticed but are vital to team success.
“Kranevitter is a player who gives balance to any team. He understands the game very well and always makes the right decision.” – Marcelo Gallardo, former River Plate coach.