A Breakdown Of Glory’s New South Americans
This week, Perth Glory announced the signings of two South American players: Luis Cangá, an Ecuadorian centre-back, and Cristian Caicedo Castillo, a Colombian winger. While both are expected to make significant contributions to the team, some fans might feel a degree of scepticism as neither player is a household name. However, with the attributes these players possess, they could become pivotal to any potential success the Glory may have this season if they hit their stride.
Luis Cangá is arguably the more established of the two, with extensive experience across various South American competitions. According to Transfermarkt, he’s made over 250 appearances for his clubs and earned three caps for the Ecuadorian national team.
Football Director Stan Lazaridis highlighted the 29-year-old’s commanding presence in defence and it’s clear this is an accurate assessment, as Cangá’s physicality forms the foundation of his game.
As a centre-back, Cangá plays with fearless aggression. His defensive style is front-footed and proactive. He’s adept at jockeying attackers but will decisively step in when he sees the chance to make an intervention, often doing so with power and precision. While this aggressive approach can occasionally backfire, he gets it right far more often than not.
One of Cangá’s key strengths is his ability to cover space behind his fullback, a skill that will be crucial to Glory’s defensive setup this season. For example, Josh Risdon, known for his aggressive tackling, will benefit from having Cangá behind him, providing backup in regaining possession — especially in a system designed to press and tackle the opposition.
Cangá also excels in using his body to shield the ball or muscle opponents off it. His strength and athleticism make him a force in aerial contests, a standout aspect of his game. Last season, in the Ecuadorian Serie A, he won 71% of his aerial duels.
His effectiveness in these situations comes from his aggressive pursuit of the ball, particularly during set-pieces. On corners, he charges in like a bull, making him a formidable presence. With Glory showing improvement in set-pieces during the preseason, expect Cangá to be a frequent goal threat from corners or free-kicks.
While Luis Cangá’s on-ball abilities may not stand out as much as his aerial prowess, he is more than capable of executing diagonal switches and progressive passes that break defensive lines. His physicality is evident even in his passing, as he often drives the ball powerfully to the feet of midfielders or forwards, enabling smoother and quicker transitions from defence to attack.
In my view, this is a good signing for Glory, and full credit goes to Stan Lazaridis for getting the deal done. Last season, one of Glory’s biggest issues was a lack of depth and quality in midfield, compounded by a backline that was frequently exposed and unable to hold its ground. Cangá’s experience and skill set will be vital in strengthening the team’s defensive structure and organisation, addressing one of the major weaknesses from the previous campaign.
Now to a player who could be a surprise package for Glory this season: Cristian Caicedo Castillo. At first glance, it’s easy to see why fans might question the signing. Caicedo has previously played in Portugal’s fourth tier and, more recently, for Orsomarso in Colombia’s second division.
On paper, this might not seem like a “wow signing”. However, after taking the time to watch some of his recent matches, I can see why Football Director Stan Lazaridis described him as a “livewire” who will “put bums on seats” with his pace and flair — and there is some truth to that assessment.
While Caicedo is versatile enough to play across the frontline, it’s clear his most dangerous work comes from the left wing. His speed and well-timed runs make him a constant threat. He often positions himself on the blindside of defenders, allowing him to dart inside or outside of his marker with ease.
Opponents frequently resort to fouling him because his runs are so well-timed that they panic, trying to prevent him from breaking free. Caicedo’s directness is another standout trait, and after watching a compilation of his goals, it’s easy to draw comparisons with the Australian teenage sensation, Nestory Irankunda. Both players share a similar direct approach, speed, and running style, making them a constant menace to defenders.
Despite his youth, Caicedo has already scored a few goals this season, many of which came from the left half-space, a zone he clearly favors. As a left-footer, he often strikes across his body to generate power in his shots. His link-up play has also been impressive at times, adding another dimension to his game.
A report compiled by Rodrigo Rebeschini, utilizing Wyscout data, highlights Caicedo’s strengths, particularly his dribbling and finishing. While there is still room for improvement — specifically in terms of end product and developing more varied ways to beat defenders — Caicedo has the raw potential to make a real impact. Alongside Abdul Faisal, Glory’s left wing could become a highly exciting area to watch throughout the season.
Hopefully, this brief analysis provides fans with a clearer understanding of the two players Lazaridis has brought to the club this week. Both Cangá and Caicedo bring their own unique strengths, which could prove vital in helping the Glory return to the top six for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
