Overview
Matías Rojas is a central figure in Paraguayan football, recognized for his contributions as a left-footed midfielder. Born in Asunción, Paraguay, on November 3, 1995, Rojas has carved out a professional career that spans multiple top-flight leagues in South America. Standing at 1.86 meters, his physical presence is complemented by a refined technical skill set, making him an influential player in the middle of the pitch. His career has seen him represent several prominent clubs, gaining experience and developing his game in competitive environments.
Position
Rojas predominantly operates as a central midfielder, often deployed in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder or wide on the left flank. His versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical setups, whether it's pulling strings from a deeper creative position or contributing directly to attacks closer to the opposition's goal. He possesses the vision and passing range to unlock defenses, alongside an impressive ability to strike from distance.
Identity
Matías Rojas's footballing identity is characterized by his left foot, which he uses to great effect for both passing and shooting. He is particularly renowned for his set-piece delivery, including free-kicks and corners, which often lead to goal-scoring opportunities or direct goals. His ability to dictate play, combined with his long-range shooting prowess and dead-ball expertise, establishes him as a creative force and a genuine goal threat from midfield. His influence extends beyond open play, making him a critical asset in offensive phases when his team is awarded a free-kick.
Career path
Matías Rojas began his football journey in his native Paraguay, developing through the youth ranks before making his professional debut. His career path has since taken him through several significant clubs in South America, marking a trajectory of continued growth and exposure to diverse footballing philosophies.
Lanús
Rojas commenced his senior career with Club Atlético Lanús in Argentina, making his debut in 2016. He spent several seasons with the club, initially integrating into the squad and gradually establishing himself as a key player. His time at Lanús provided him with a platform to showcase his developing skills in one of South America's most competitive leagues. He gained valuable experience in Argentine Primera División matches and continental competitions.
Loan Spells and Development
During his tenure at Lanús, Rojas also experienced loan spells that were crucial for his development. He moved to Club Guaraní in Paraguay during 2017, returning to his home country to gain more regular first-team minutes. This period helped refine his game and adapt to different tactical demands. Another significant loan move saw him join Defensa y Justicia in Argentina in 2018, where he further enhanced his reputation, particularly for his attacking contributions and set-piece abilities.
Racing Club
Following his impressive performances, Rojas secured a move to Racing Club in 2019, according to Transfermarkt. This transfer marked a significant step in his career, joining one of Argentina's historically successful clubs. At Racing, he continued to be a pivotal player, often deployed in creative midfield roles. His consistent performances, including his goal-scoring from midfield and assist contributions, made him a fan favorite and a crucial component of the team's attack. His tenure at Racing saw him participate in numerous high-profile matches, including the Copa Libertadores, further cementing his status as a prominent midfielder in the region.
Corinthians
In 2023, Matías Rojas made a move to Brazilian giants Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, as reported by Wikipedia. This transfer represented a new challenge in one of the most demanding leagues globally, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Joining Corinthians, Rojas aimed to bring his creative flair and dead-ball expertise to a new environment, contributing to the club's ambitions both domestically and internationally. His adaptation to Brazilian football has been a key focus as he continues to establish his influence within the squad.
Playing style
Matías Rojas's playing style is defined by his technical proficiency, vision, and a powerful, accurate left foot. As a midfielder, he exhibits a blend of creativity and goal-scoring threat, making him a multi-faceted asset in the central areas of the pitch. His attributes align with modern attacking midfielders who can influence play from various positions.
Technical Attributes
Rojas possesses excellent ball control and dribbling ability, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and retain possession under pressure. His passing range is extensive, capable of executing intricate short passes in congested areas as well as incisive long balls to switch play or launch counter-attacks. A standout technical attribute is his shooting from distance; he frequently attempts and scores goals from outside the penalty area, utilizing his powerful left foot. This makes him a constant threat when the ball falls to him in shooting positions.
Set-Piece Specialist
One of Rojas's most distinguishing features is his expertise over dead-ball situations. He is a primary taker of both direct free-kicks and corners. His free-kicks are often characterized by dip, swerve, and precision, making him a significant goal threat from advantageous positions outside the box, similar to players renowned for their free-kick prowess. His corners are consistently delivered with accuracy, creating numerous opportunities for teammates in the penalty area. This specialization adds another dimension to his team's attacking arsenal, making him indispensable in offensive set-piece routines, as evidenced by his contributions at Racing Club, as noted by FBref.
Tactical Versatility
While primarily an attacking midfielder, Rojas's tactical understanding allows him to adapt to different roles. He can operate centrally as a number 10, linking midfield and attack, or drift wide on the left, cutting inside to shoot or cross. He demonstrates good positional awareness and an ability to find pockets of space between defensive lines. While not primarily a defensive midfielder, he contributes to defensive transitions and pressing when required, showcasing a growing all-round game. His ability to operate effectively in various roles makes him a valuable component for coaches seeking tactical flexibility.
Achievements & honours
Matías Rojas has accumulated several team honors throughout his career, contributing to his clubs' successes in various domestic and continental competitions. His contributions as a key midfielder have been instrumental in these achievements.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Club | Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional | 2022 |
| Racing Club | Supercopa Internacional | 2022 |
Racing Club Success
During his impactful tenure at Racing Club, Rojas played a significant role in securing two notable trophies. In 2022, he was part of the squad that lifted the Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional, a competition contested between the champions of the Argentine Primera División and the Copa de la Liga Profesional. His performances in the midfield were crucial in Racing's victorious campaign.
Additionally, Rojas contributed to Racing's triumph in the Supercopa Internacional, also in 2022. This further solidified his reputation as a player capable of performing in high-stakes matches and helping his team achieve silverware. These honors highlight his direct impact on the team's ability to compete and win at a high level in Argentine football.
International career
Matías Rojas has represented his home country, Paraguay, on the international stage, earning caps for the Paraguay national team. His call-ups reflect his consistent performances at club level and his ability to contribute to the national squad.
Debut and Early Appearances
Rojas made his senior international debut for Paraguay in 2019. Since then, he has been a regular fixture in the national team setup, participating in various friendly matches and competitive qualifiers. His initial appearances allowed him to integrate into the national team's tactics and build chemistry with his international teammates.
Copa América Participation
A significant highlight of Rojas's international career includes his participation in the Copa América, South America's premier international football tournament. He was part of the Paraguay squad that competed in the 2019 edition of the tournament. His involvement in such a major competition provided him with valuable experience against top South American nations, showcasing his abilities on a significant continental stage. His role typically involves contributing to the midfield, offering creativity and set-piece delivery.
World Cup Qualifiers
Beyond the Copa América, Rojas has also been a part of Paraguay's campaigns in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. These matches are crucial for national teams aiming to secure a spot in the global showpiece event. His performances in these demanding fixtures underline his importance to the national squad, where he is often tasked with providing attacking impetus from midfield and utilizing his dead-ball expertise. His continued presence in the squad demonstrates his consistent form and the trust placed in him by national team coaches.
What makes Matías Rojas stand out
Matías Rojas distinguishes himself through a combination of elegant ball control, powerful long-range shooting, and an exceptional ability to deliver from set-pieces. His left foot is arguably his most potent weapon, enabling him to strike the ball with both precision and force, making him a constant threat even from outside the penalty area.
His capacity to dictate the tempo of a game from midfield, coupled with his vision to spot and execute killer passes, allows him to unlock stubborn defenses. He is not merely a scorer but also a creator, capable of producing moments of magic from either open play or dead-ball situations. This dual threat makes him a challenging player to contain for opposition teams, as they must account for both his direct goal threat and his ability to set up teammates.
"Rojas possesses a truly unique ability from set-pieces; his left foot can change the game in an instant."