Sergio Reguilon – Scout Report

Tottenham’s new addition Sergio Reguilon has quickly established himself as one of Europe’ most consistent performers last campaign.

In what’s was a strong showing by Sevilla in La Liga, and winning yet another Europa League trophy at the expense of Inter Milan, Reguillon proved himself to be one of Julen Lopetegui’s key components within a hugely talented squad.

Now, the question is can Sergio Reguilon translate the scintilating form from last season into the Premier League under Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur?

Tottenham confirmed the signing of left-back Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid on a five-year deal, for a fee which could rise to £32m. Reguilon, who will wear the number three shirt, travelled to London on a private jet owned by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on Friday morning, alongside Gareth Bale.

Reguilon, 23, was named the best left-back in La Liga for his performances last season while on loan at Sevilla.

But how did Reguilon impress last season? And how will he improve Jose Mourinho’s side?

This scout report will provide analysis of Reguillon’s performances and growth in the Sevilla side as well as a brief overview of how he’s quickly emerged on the scene.

Who is Sergio Reguilón?

Born in Madrid, Spain, Reguilon joined Madrid’s youth setup at the age of eight. He was loaned to Segunda Division B side UD Logrones for the 2015/16 campaign.

Reguilón made his senior debut on 23 August 2015, playing the last seven minutes in a 3–0 home win against SD Compostela. The following January 2016, after being sparingly used, he returned to Los Blancos and was assigned to the reserves in the third division.

He then returned to Logrones the next season, and quickly emerged as an undisputed starter at the club, scoring eight goals in the process, including four past Bilbao Athletic in October 2016 in a 5-3 home win. Upon his return to Real Madrid Castilla, he was first choice under Santiago Solari, renewing his contract in May 2018. The following season is where he quickly emerged in the first team setup, promoted by his present coach at Sevilla, Julen Lopetegui.

Sergio Reguilon’s emergence on the scene came as a real surprise. The greater shock, however, was how he quickly established himself in the Real Madrid first team picture. Displaying an impressive level of maturity and assurance for a young full-back and did not seem intimidated by the more senior players in his position, nor the high status of the club, in the slightest.

Instead, he got his head down, got focused offering such great levels of professionalism and effort while Marcelo was working through his difficult poor form. While still raw, as expected, the sheer level of application and willingness to learn allowed him to look right at home. This should hold Reguillon in decent stead as he continues to prove himself at the top level, and that he did while at Sevilla.

September also saw him make his competitive international for Spain in a 4-0 win over Ukraine, in which he provided the assist for Ansu Fati’s spectacular first international goal.

How did Reguilón impress last season?

Reguilón’s success last campaign was built upon three key characteristics: his hard-work, determination and application. You can even throw in his huge levels of commitment. These characteristics are perfectly reflected in the way in which he performed for Lopetegui.

He’s not afraid to try and be heard, he’s a marauding full-back, constantly running up and down to be an influential force down the left-hand side, if you need any indication as to the kind of ability he holds just watch his goal against Roma in the Europa League round of 16 tie in August. Single-handedly ran through the entire Roma back-line to net a fantastic goal.

Reguilon is also not afraid to get stuck in if he has to. It’s why he quickly emerged on the scene at Real Madrid, despite his tender age. His characteristics and willingness on the pitch is of an experienced level not one still trying to figure out his place early in their career.

While the modern full-backs are skilful and attack-minded, Reguilón looks to play to his own strengths – his hard work, application, discipline and solid presence. Though, as the season progressed, Reguilón exerted the ability of being both a skilful and hard-working full-back blended into one. The complete kind.

While winning 1.18 tackles per 90 in La Liga, he also performed 3.05 passes into the final third showing his thrilling blend of both attacking and defensive qualities.

When Sevilla were in possession, he made expertly sure that he’s offering an outlet on the left-hand side, and when he does have possession, he’s more than capable of becoming decisive with it.

As well as his 4 assists in La Liga last season, he also successfully completed 1.47 dribbles per 90, he’s not afraid to take on his man, get to the byline and provide crosses for his forwards. He’s such a willing full-back. Reguilón’s desire to perform, impress and be an influence in the final-third is one of the reasons why Sevilla were such a potent force last season. After 13 games of the 2019/20 La Liga season, no defender had more touches inside the opposition box than Sergio Reguilon (32).

Reguilón also performed 2.30 shot creating actions per 90, highlighting his influence and impact within the attacking third of the pitch. The freedom and license to maraud up the pitch provided by Lopetegui aided his attacking development considerably. That’s not to say, he can’t perform in defence when needed. He’s an excellent defender. 2.04 tackles won per 90, 1.36 interceptions and also 3.58 successful pressures to his opponent (FBref.com). As well as a willing attacker, he’s also a very willing defender.

Sometimes, that can unfortunately be his downfall. He records 2 fouls per game in La Liga and received 8 yellow cards. With a bit of work on his discipline and committing fouls, he can really avoid potentially picking up a needless red card.

The 22-year-old excels when on the back foot as he man-marks adeptly, and is more-often-than-not aware of spaces behind him. There, Reguilón looks to shut down any potential danger and is quick to close down opponents – this has also been the case when he has been asked to form part of a high press in wide areas, pressuring wingers and full-backs and forcing them to retreat toward their own goal.

Forecast for the Future?

Sergio Reguilón holds such a massive future in his hands. As stated previous, his hard-work, willingness, application and commitment are key features in his game, and such characteristics can only stand him in good stead for the future.

Not making the grade at Real Madrid won’t really deem him a failure, just look at Achraf Hakimi who was on loan at Dortmund the past year and is now on his way to Italian giants Inter Milan, a club where he will surely thrive under the tutelage of Antonio Conte.

Sergio Reguilon has got his move.

Tottenham may have potentially added a steel to their squad in Sergio Reguillon. The Spaniard offers Mourinho what he’s always crying out for in his players, the heart, the character and the sheer will to win. Reguillon so far has acquired all those attributes throughout his career and its the reason he is on course to enjoy a fruitful spell at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A statement signing by Jose Mourinho.