Juan Manuel Vargas

Juan Manuel Vargas

Vargas playing for Fiorentina in 2011
Personal information
Full nameJuan Manuel Vargas Risco
Date of birth5 October 1983[1]
Place of birthMagdalena del Mar, Lima, Peru
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing positionWinger
Club information
Current team
Fiorentina
Number6
Youth career
1995–2001Universitario
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2002–2004Universitario69(7)
2005–2006Colón53(4)
2006–2008Catania69(5)
2008–Fiorentina144(17)
2012–2013→ Genoa (loan)20(0)
National team‡
2004–Peru49(4)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 26 April 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 February 2012
This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Vargas and the second or maternal family name is Risco.

Juan Manuel Vargas Risco (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈxwan manˈwel ˈbarɣas]; born 5 October 1983) is a Peruvian footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club Fiorentina. His previous clubs include Universitario, Colón, Catania and Genova. He has represented Peru at international level.

Club career

Early career

Vargas got his start in the popular Peruvian team Club Universitario de Deportes where he quickly earned a main spot in the team by 2004, given his great play and his crowd-pleasing goals at key moments. In 2005 he transferred to Argentine team Club Atlético Colón, where he has also earned a spot in the starting line-up and the admiration of his coaches. Vargas enjoys the style of the English game and has admired Liverpool Football club since he was a child.

Catania

In August 2006, he signed a four-year contract with Catania. He scored his first goal for Catania on 31 October 2007, in the 88th minute, tying Siena 1–1 and prolonging Catania's unbeaten streak to 7 games.[2] During his two-year stay in Sicily, he was continuously one of their best players, and was always a first team regular. His performances helped the Sicilians to Serie A survival for two seasons. These impressive displays led to elite clubs around Europe chasing after the 23-year old's signature.

Fiorentina

It was reported that Vargas had agreed to sign for Real Madrid on 17 May 2008[3][4] but on 5 July 2008 he joined Fiorentina for a fee of €12 million.[5] Upon arriving in Florence he struggled in the left back position and was highly criticized, however after realizing his true potential as an attacking midfielder, he has become a crucial part to the Viola squad providing crucial assists, giving the squad great speed, and acting almost as a third forward. On 24 November 2009, Vargas scored a critical spot kick goal that advanced Fiorentina onto the knock-out stages in the Champions League. This was the first time Fiorentina made it to the Round of 16 in 10 years.

On the last day of the August 2012 transfer window, Vargas joined Serie A club Genoa on loan for the season.

Vargas scored Fiorentina's goal in their 1–3 defeat to Napoli in the 2014 Coppa Italia Final.

Style of play

Vargas plays at left back, on the wing, or in the midfield, in both offensive and defensive positions. Vargas impresses with his ability to dribble the ball and make remarkable shots on goal. He is also known for his free kick ability and accurate crosses. His former Fiorentina teammate Alberto Gilardino stated that Vargas is probably the best crosser he has played with.[6]

International career

He started to play in the Peruvian national team against Paraguay in Germany 2006 campaign with Paulo Autuori as a coach. He scored his first international goal on 12 September 2007 in a friendly game against Bolivia. He was sent off in the 2011 Copa América semi-final match for elbowing a Uruguay player.

Career statistics

Club

As of 26 April 2015
Club performance League Cup Continental Total
ClubLeagueSeason Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists
Peru League Copa Inca South America Total
Universitario de Deportes Descentralizado 2002 31?——31?
2003 251?—30?281?
2004 416?——416?
Total 69800003007280
Argentina League Cup South America Total
Colón Primera División 2004–05 183?000—183?
2005–06 361?000—361?
Total 54400000005440
Italy League Coppa Italia Europe Total
Catania Serie A 2006–07 3303000—3303
2007–08 3654411—4065
Total 69574110007368
Fiorentina Serie A 2008–09 27320007013433
2009–10 2956300103442810
2010–11 2446000—2446
2011–12 2407200—2607
Total 104122150017351261526
Genoa Serie A 2012–13 2001000—2001
Total 20010000002001
Fiorentina Serie A 2013–14 24404203003160
2014–15 16111009312642
Total 4051520123157102
Career total 3563430143132664024337

International

As of 29 February 2012.[7]
Peru national team
YearAppsGoals
200420
200540
200620
200762
200870
200961
201030
201181
201210
Total394

International appearances and goals

Statistics accurate as of match played 29 February 2012

Honours

Club

Universitario de Deportes
Fiorentina

Country

Peru national team

Personal life

Vargas currently lives with his longtime partner Blanca Rodríguez, and their three children: Luana Mia (born in 2007), Ánika Lía (born 28 December 2009), and Juan Manuel (born in 2011).

References

  1. ↑ "Juan Manuel Vargas". Soccerway. Global Sports Media. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Siena 1–1 Catania". XN.com. 31 October 2007. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  3. ↑ Luis Mira (17 May 2008). "Madrid Agree Terms With Vargas". Goal.com. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  4. ↑ "Real Madrid signed Juan Vargas according to Spanish and Italian media". Andina.com. 16 May 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  5. ↑ Salvatore Landolina (26 June 2008). "Vargas Signs For Fiorentina". Goal.com. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  6. ↑ Rick D'Andrea (24 November 2009). "A Victory Well Deserved – Fiorentina's Alberto Gilardino". Goal.com. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
  7. ↑ "Juan Vargas". National Football Teams. Retrieved 9 March 2012.

External links