The termination of Carl McHugh’s contract meant that it was only a matter of time before Mohun Bagan Super Giant would delve into the market for their sixth signing this season. The Mariners confirmed they had completed their 3rd overseas signing of the season in the 35-year-old Spanish defender Hector Yuste from the Cyprus side Omonia Nikosia.
In this article, we will look at Yuste’s history and try to shed some light on what the Mariners can expect from their defensive maestro.
Who is Hector Yuste?
Hector Yuste began his professional football journey in Cartagena, Spain, playing for his hometown club in the third-tier league. After a short period, he was loaned to Las Palas, where he made 31 appearances. Returning to Cartagena, he played a vital role in their promotion to the second division and spent three successful years there.
In 2010, he moved to Salamanca before joining La Liga side Granada CF the following season. During his time at Granada, he was loaned to various second-division clubs like Cadiz CF, Racing Santander, and Hercules CF. Eventually, he made his La Liga debut with Granada in 2014, playing in six matches before moving on.
Yuste then joined Mallorca in the second division, where he excelled for three years. Later, he signed with Apollon Limassol in Cyprus, and during his four-year stint, he made 124 appearances for the club. One of his notable moments was scoring a memorable goal against Everton in a UEFA Europa League match in 2017.
In 2021, Hector Yuste made a move to another Cypriot club, AC Omonia, and experienced success by winning the Cypriot Cup twice and the 2021 Cypriot Super Cup. Moreover, he had the opportunity to face Manchester United in the Europa League group stage during the previous season.
How will Hector Yuste fit into Juan Ferrando’s system
Hector Yuste possesses a playing style built on strong defensive capabilities and tactical intelligence. Throughout his career, he has showcased exceptional positioning and anticipation, allowing him to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks effectively. Yuste recorded an impressive 86% tackle success rate in last season’s Europa League.
Physically imposing, Yuste is known for his prowess in aerial duels, fearlessly challenging for high balls and dominating in the air. Additionally, his composure and ball distribution skills make him a valuable asset in building up play from the back, initiating offensive moves with precise passing. Yuste completed 111 passes in the 22/23 Europa League season recording a 80% success rate which is an impressive figure for a centre-back in Europe’s penultimate club competition.
Beyond his technical abilities, Yuste’s leadership qualities shine on the field, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic and determination. His experience and presence in the heart of the defense contribute to organizing the backline, ensuring defensive solidity for his team.
As a player, Hector Yuste embodies the classic traits of a traditional Spanish center-back, combining defensive prowess, technical acumen, and strong leadership, making him a valuable asset for any team he represents. His notable appearances and memorable performances in matches, including scoring a memorable goal against Everton in a UEFA Europa League tie, further underscore his significance in the teams he has played for.
These traits make Yuste a perfect fit for the Mariners. Their playstyle demands a center-back who is good on the ball and has a physical presence at the same time. Yuste, with his experience, is a quality addition to the already star-studded squad.
The significance of this signing for Mohun Bagan
Juan Ferrando’s men will look to go as far as possible in the prestigious 2023/23 AFC Cup. Their ambitions for the upcoming season make quality in every position as well as adequate squad depth crucial in deciding their fate.
Yuste will fill in the McHugh-shaped gap in the Mariners’ squad perfectly as he can slot in as a defensive midfielder comfortably. Yuste will also be of great use to Ferrando as depth in the center-back position, replacing Pritam Kotal. Yuste’s physical presence makes him a formidable opposition to any attacker.
Hector Yuste joins the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Jason Cummings, and Armando Sadiku ahead of what looks to be a season full of promise for Mohun Bagan Super Giant as they embark on a journey to etch their name in history.
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