Good Player Guide #11 – Gary Medel

Gary Medel
(Boca Juniors / Chile)

Pitbull. That is Chilean defender Gary Medel’s nickname, and it fits him perfectly.

Coming from the capital of Santiago, Medel is a product of Universidad Católica’s youth division. He made his professional debut in 2006 against Universidad de Chile, Católica’s arch-rivals. He didn’t look very impressive, with a height of just 1.71 meters and barely 19 years of age, but he made up for it with uncommon tenacity, strength and stamina. Medel never gives up, runs all the match, and hounds players till he gets the ball. He’s also very versatile, capable of playing as a center-back, full-back or central midfielder, and he knows how to shoot at goal and even score from headers despite his height.

He became known nationally when he was part of the promising team that won third place in the U-20 World Cup in 2007, and he became a starter at club level soon afterwards. He scored his first goal against Deportes La Serena, but it was against Universidad de Chile that he became a hero. In one of Chilean football’s biggest matches, el Clásico Universitario (the University Derby), Medel scored twice to bring his team up 2-1, scoreline they maintained till the end of the match. His goal-scoring capabilities shined, since the second one was hit from distance, at the end of a sprint, on a volley.

Despite being one of Católica’s idols, it was in 2008 that his career really took off.

After being runner-up with Chile in the Toulon Tournament, he was nominated and made a starter by Marcelo Bielsa for the Qualifying match against Bolivia in La Paz, where the altitude often favours the locals. Not content with performing as a great full-back throughout the match, he scored two goals to end the match 2-0. Again, the second goal was spectacular: a bicycle kick after a free kick rebound. Since then, he has been a regular in the national team and one of the most popular players because of his garra, which would be best described as bravery.

In mid-2009, he was loaned to Argentine giant Boca Juniors, recommended by Bielsa. Despite Boca’s horrible campaign, Medel has shined during his time there, scoring 7 goals in 31 matches, including both goals in a 2-0 win over River Plate, earning the love of the xeneizes. You’ll have noticed by now that Medel tends to score the most vital of braces, and there are no prizes for guessing that the second goal was great. Not at all bad for a short defender.

However, Medel has had record of indiscipline in and off the pitch, but he’s determined to leave it behind him now. To name just a few, he was expelled at the U-20’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, was banned for six matches after spitting at a player while at Universidad Católica, had a car accident while driving drunk in early 2008 that miraculously didn’t hurt him and he got in a fight with River Plate’s Marcelo Gallardo during the Superclásico.

With just 22 years and a bright future ahead, rumours say he will be leaving for Europe soon. Whether or not it happens, el Pitbull is truly one of the players to watch in South Africa.

Santiago Irribarra is a guest writer for Just-Football.com, focussing on football in Chile.

(photo credit: pitbullcruzado)

Boca Juniors, Chile, Gary Medel, Good Player Guide