If you still don’t know about Richard Rios by now, that HAS to change. I first heard about him some years ago from a Colombian friend of mine, and then proceeded to truly love the way he plays football while watching him at last summer’s Copa America. I had thought that a move to Europe should’ve come following that tournament, but a year later here we are. Benfica recognized the obvious opportunity and said “Hey, if none of you clubs are going to buy this guy, we will, and probably flip him to you for 50M profit in the future.”

Richard Rios is a midfielder who really embodies the fighting spirit of Colombia and the flair of joga bonito that stems from the truest love of the game of football. While capable of playing anywhere in midfield, his best role is as a progressive #6, or as a #8. His technical ability on the ball and his flair combine to make him virtually unable to be pressed. Rios is always able to find his way out of a corner, through a defender, or whatever else the situation requires. When he receives the ball in midfield, he is exceptional at driving forward with it and pulling defenders out of position. While more of a progressive carrier than a high volume passer, Rios still creates significantly from midfielder. I’d have to take a closer look at Benfica’s current tactics to see where he might fit, but his versatility allows him to be played in various midfield roles. He works well with inverted wingers, as he is very capable of playing in wide spaces and putting quality crosses into the box.

When compared to fellow midfielders in similar level competitions (including the Portuguese Primera Liga), you can quickly see that Richard Rios is an offensive force, who excels in take-ons and carrying the ball, while also putting up solid defensive contributions.

Rios is one of my favorite midfielders in world football. At times, his ability to resist pressure makes him seem like a machine designed specifically for that purpose, but then he just as quickly makes you realize that he is the furthest thing from a machine. Flair, technique, passion – Richard Rios provides them all. He works hard to win the ball back, because he knows it’s better off with him than the opposition.

I’m very excited to see how he starts at Benfica. If Richard Rios hits the ground running in Lisbon, then in a year’s time don’t be surprised if he’s on the move again to a bigger league.

Richard Rios. One to Watch.