Ramírez and Giménez - Leading Argentina’s New Generation of Defenders

When thinking about the archetypal Argentine player, the mischievous pibe schooled on the rough pitches of the potrero springs to my mind. The tricky number 10, all instinct and artistry, with the mazy dribbling, quick feet and the ability to excite a crowd. 

In recent years however, a completely different profile has also been finding success in Europe - not the artist, but rather the architect of resistance: the centre back.  

After struggling in the position for much of the last decade, Argentina relied heavily on Nicolás Otamendi - a symbol of the lack of depth. And while the Benfica defender has defied his critics and his age, La Albiceleste now boast a far more robust pool of centre-backs; Cristian Romero has proved influential and if fit, would likely form a partnership with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez, while waiting in line, Lionel Scaloni has the likes of Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Facundo Medina and Nehuén Pérez.

All have forged successful careers in Europe and, with a new generation emerging, the future for Argentina looks equally bright. Aaron Anselmino has already completed a big money move to Chelsea, Valentín Gómez has captained Vélez Sarsfield to silverware, and Matías Moreno is looking for minutes with Fiorentina to name a few.

Who is Next in Line?

Earlier this year at the CONMEBOL Under-20 Sudamericano – one of South America’s top youth competitions – two more names stood out: Tobías Ramírez and Juan Giménez. 

Both teenagers, both already playing regular senior football in Argentina, and both attracting interest from major European clubs. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will soon.

The pair formed the central defence for Diego Placente’s Under-20s as they finished runners up to champions Brazil in Venezuela. Both naturally right footed, Ramírez of Argentinos Juniors played on the left of the two - looking at ease in the role as he has at club level too - with Giménez alongside him in his favoured right-sided position. 

Both share certain characteristics, and in fact these are qualities which can also be seen in senior internationals, Cuti Romero and Licha Martínez - front foot, aggressive defenders, strong in duels yet comfortable on the ball. Characteristics which allow Argentina to play a certain way and whether it be Placente’s Under-20s or Scaloni’s senior side, there is an identifiable style.

A style which translates to elite European club football. The manner in which a team press and the intensity is obviously a collective strategy but a certain type of centre back is required to do this successfully. 

At the Under-20 Sudamericano, Argentina topped the ranking for challenge intensity – the number of duels, tackles and interceptions per minute of opposition possession – and had the most aggressive high press in the competition. In short, Argentina allowed their opponents the fewest passes before stepping in with a defensive action.

That aggression shows clearly in the average position map. Argentina held one of the highest defensive lines in the final group stage, with both full-backs pushing well into the opposition half. This left Ramírez and Giménez frequently isolated in two-on-two or even one-on-one scenarios - a tactical risk that only works with centre-backs as comfortable defending in space as Ramírez and Giménez.

Aside from the attributes to make this possible, defenders require the experience - and therefore confidence - in order to do it. Ramírez, a product of the famed Argentinos Juniors academy since the age of nine, made his first team debut against River Plate in January 2024 and over the course of the year made over 30 appearances. 

Still only 17, Ramírez never looked overwhelmed. Some at such an age may look to play safe and ease their way in but Ramírez was proactive from the outset, his anticipation and controlled aggression making him a standout. A good reader of the game, his positioning is excellent and, as a result, he can step in to halt attacks before they begin or pounce on a heavy touch to out-muscle forwards thanks to his physical strength. 

Combined with his anticipation, Ramírez wins comfortably most of his defensive duels, whether that be shoulder-to-shoulder with an opposition forward or stepping in swiftly to win it in midfield. Complemented by a decent burst of pace, Ramírez can recover position or keep pace with forwards making runs in behind. 

On the ball, Ramírez is composed and assured. He rarely panics under pressure, regularly threading line-breaking passes into midfield or switching play with precision. Whether building out from the back or carrying the ball into space, he demonstrates the vision and technique required to initiate attacks. 

His ability to play on the left side, despite being right-footed, speaks to a technical and tactical maturity and allows him to adapt to different systems. 

Alongside Ramírez, Juan Giménez offered the perfect complement for the U20s. The pair’s young careers mirroring each other so far, with the Rosario Central product also making his debut against River Plate in the first half of 2024, and from that point becoming a regular for El Canalla in Argentina’s top flight. 

Perhaps a more physically imposing presence, Giménez isn’t quite so much on the front foot as Ramírez and tends to position himself a little deeper. While it may mean he wins possession less often in advanced areas, it also ensures he is less likely to be drawn out of position by an over-eagerness to win the ball. His approach is more patient, built on anticipation and reading the game rather than immediate pressure.

Despite the stylistic differences, the output is remarkably similar and, while he may not step into midfield as frequently, his reading and awareness allow him to disrupt attacks and clean up danger just as effectively.

Watching footage on Wyscout, you can see his timing in the tackle is precise and that he is excellent in one-on-one situations, where his acceleration and physical strength stand out. These qualities were essential to Argentina’s approach at the Sudamericano, where they often left the centre-backs isolated in transitions.

Defending in Argentina’s system in contrast to Rosario Central presents two very different challenges and Giménez has shown an impressive versatility. Central don’t dominate possession in the same way Argentina U20s might, and so he has gained valuable experience defending much closer to or inside the 18-yard box. 

Much of that has of course been long balls and crosses and so Giménez has needed to demonstrate aerial prowess. Both he and Ramírez are good in the air despite not being the most towering of centre-backs - Giménez the slightly taller of the two at around 187cm but using his upper body strength to often win aerial duels.

While not as expansive in possession as Ramírez, Giménez is tidy and efficient on the ball. He rarely overcomplicates things and tends to keep things simple in feeding the ball short into midfield or across the defence. 

The calmness displayed in his defending, a useful characteristic in possession. Argentina U20s centre-backs completed the most passes at the Sudamericano, Giménez with around 90% accuracy. While distribution could improve, the ability to maintain possession and facilitate others in the build-up phase is more than adequate.

Part of a broader trend?

While Ramírez and Giménez look the likeliest candidates to make the move abroad, are they representative of a wider shift towards clubs focusing on focusing on young Argentinian defenders? Or are they just two talented exceptions to the rule?

As well as the aforementioned Anselmino, Gómez, and Moreno, we’ve seen other big European clubs pluck talented defenders up early in their careers. Tomas Palacios was signed by Internazionale from Talleres after a short but successful loan spell at Independiente Rivadavia, Nicolas Valentini joined Fiorentina from Boca Juniors, and Gerónimo Spina was snapped up by Atletico Madrid before making his debut for Estudiantes.

And with Premier League interest in Independiente’s Kevin Lomónaco and Serie A clubs circling Racing’s Marco di Cesare there could be more to come. Certainly it would be no surprise to see interesting prospects such Lautaro di Lollo, Mariano Troilo or Lautaro Rivero enter onto teams radars in upcoming windows. 

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