Enzo Pérez Explained

Enzo Nicolás Pérez
Full Name:Enzo Nicolás Pérez[1]
Birth Date:22 February 1986[2]
Birth Place:Maipú, Argentina
Height:1.78 m[3]
Currentclub:Estudiantes
Clubnumber:22
Position:Midfielder
Youthyears1:1996–2003
Youthclubs1:Deportivo Maipú
Years1:2003–2007
Clubs1:Godoy Cruz
Caps1:84
Goals1:12
Years2:2007–2011
Clubs2:Estudiantes
Caps2:119
Goals2:14
Years3:2011–2014
Clubs3:Benfica
Caps3:70
Goals3:9
Years4:2012
Clubs4:Estudiantes (loan)
Caps4:13
Goals4:0
Years5:2015–2017
Clubs5:Valencia
Caps5:61
Goals5:0
Years6:2017–2023
Clubs6:River Plate
Caps6:154
Goals6:2
Years7:2024–
Clubs7:Estudiantes
Caps7:15
Goals7:0
Nationalyears1:2009–2018
Nationalteam1:Argentina
Nationalcaps1:26
Nationalgoals1:1
Club-Update:20:37, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:30 June 2018

Enzo Nicolás Pérez (pronounced as /es/; born 22 February 1986) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Primera División club Estudiantes de La Plata.

He played four years for S.L. Benfica in Portugal, where he won five trophies, most notably the domestic treble in the 2013–14 season, and reached two consecutive UEFA Europa League finals.

Club career

Early career

Born in Maipú, Mendoza, Pérez began his career in Deportivo Maipú, like his father, and started his professional playing career with Godoy Cruz, where he wrote his name into club history by scoring a fifth-minute goal in the 1–1 draw with Belgrano on 9 September 2006. This was the first goal ever scored by Godoy Cruz in the Argentine first division. In total, he scored 12 goals in his career at Godoy Cruz, most coming from penalties. In 2007, Pérez joined Estudiantes de La Plata, where he finished as runner-up with the team in the 2008 Copa Sudamericana. He was then a first team regular in the team that won the 2009 Copa Libertadores.

Benfica

On 8 June 2011, Pérez signed a five-year contract with Portuguese club Benfica for a fee rumored to be around €5.5 million for his full rights from Estudiantes.[4] After a serious knee injury sustained in the Champions League qualifiers, Pérez was loaned back to Estudiantes for six months on 9 February 2012.[5]

On 27 July 2012, at the Eusébio Cup, Pérez scored a long-range goal against Real Madrid from a tight angle to complete a 5–2 win.[6]

In the 2012–13 season, Pérez was successfully converted into a central midfielder, partnering with Nemanja Matić,[7] assuming a central role in the team.

In the 2013–14 season, his influence was further increased after the departure of Matić to Chelsea on 15 January 2014, becoming a vital piece in Benfica's domestic treble (Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga) and their second consecutive Europa League Final. Pérez, however, was not present in the eventual loss on penalties (4–2) to Sevilla in the final, having picked up a suspension in the semi-final against Juventus on 1 May 2014.[8] [9] His performances attracted attention from other clubs,[10] while Benfica manager Jorge Jesus named Pérez his side's most difficult player to replace and the "brain" of the team.[11] [12] On 6 July 2014, Pérez won the Player of the Year award.[13]

At the beginning of the 2014–15 season, Pérez won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, thus winning all four Portuguese titles with Benfica in the 2014 calendar year.

Valencia

On 2 January 2015, Spanish La Liga club Valencia CF signed Pérez[14] [15] for a transfer fee of €25 million,[16] the tenth-highest ever fee for an Argentine player.[17] On 4 January, he debuted for Valencia in a home win over Real Madrid (2–1) in La Liga.[18]

River Plate

On 29 June 2017, Pérez returned to Argentina and signed for River Plate.[19]

Ahead of a Copa Libertadores match on 19 May 2021, River Plate announced that over twenty players, including all four rostered goalkeepers, would miss the match due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad. With no substitutes, the injured Pérez volunteered to play in goal for the entirety of the match against Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe in which River Plate won 2–1.[20] Pérez made a number of key saves and was awarded with the man of the match for his performance.[21] [22] On 21 April 2021, Pérez extended his contract until December 2023.[23]

Return to Estudiantes

In January 2024, Pérez returned to Estudiantes for a third spell, signing a one-year contract.[24]

International career

Pérez made his Argentina senior squad debut on 30 September 2009 under then-manager Diego Maradona[25] in a friendly match against Ghana,[26] an eventual 2–0 victory for the Albicelestes.

On 2 June 2014, Pérez was called up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup by manager Alejandro Sabella.[27] After midfielder Ángel Di María sustained an injury in the quarter-finals, Pérez started in his place in both the semi-final and final against Germany, which Argentina lost 1–0 after extra time.[28] [29]

In May 2018, Pérez was named in Argentina's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,[30] but did not make the final list.[31] However, on 9 June 2018, he was called up as a replacement for the injured Manuel Lanzini.[32]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Estudiantes2007–08Argentine Primera División1020030132
2008–0925400152406
2009–10304009120415
2010–11335002020375
2011–12140007000210
Total1121500003634015218
Benfica2011–12Primeira Liga3000001040
2012–132843030130474
2013–142844130120475
2014–1511120005010191
Total70991603101011710
Valencia2014–15La Liga14010150
2015–162003070300
2016–1727020290
Total610607000740
River Plate2017–18Argentine Primera División1804111220333
2018–19160304112020373
2019–2018050007010310
2020–216030008000170
202130200006000362
202232020007000410
202315000004000190
Total135217141552502148
Career total3782632260129510055736

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Argentina200920
201010
201121
201210
201300
201490
201510
201620
201750
201830
Total261

Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after Pérez goal.

Honours

Godoy Cruz

2005–06

Estudiantes

2009

2010 Apertura, 2024 Copa de La Liga Profesional

Benfica

2013–14, 2014–15[33]

2013–14

2013–14

2014

River Plate

2017, 2019

2017, 2019

2018

2019

2021, 2023

2021, 2023

Argentina

Individual

2013

2013–14[36]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Argentina . FIFA . 1 . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190611000407/https://www.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF . 11 June 2019.
  2. News: 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players. FIFA.com. 2. 11 June 2014. 15 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20190404045541/http://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2014/pdf/fwc_2014_squadlists.pdf. 4 April 2019.
  3. Web site: FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of players: Argentina . FIFA . 1 . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191206135930/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF . 6 December 2019.
  4. Web site: Águias compram metade do passe de Enzo Pérez. 10 June 2011. A Bola. 10 June 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110611181557/http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=268340. 11 June 2011. dead.
  5. Web site: Enzo Pérez emprestado ao Estudiantes da Argentina. desporto.pt.msn.com. 9 February 2012. 18 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20140502232025/http://desporto.pt.msn.com/enzo-p%C3%A9rez-emprestado-ao-estudiantes-da-argentina-33. 2 May 2014. dead.
  6. Web site: Eusébio Cup: Benfica-Real Madrid, 5–2 (crónica). Maisfutebol. 27 July 2012. 18 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20140503042518/http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica/benfica-vence-real-madrid-eusebio-cup-carlos-martins-witsel-perez-callejon/1364451-1456.html. 3 May 2014. dead.
  7. Web site: Jorge Jesus: a tentação do abismo. futebolportugal.clix.pt. 2 February 2013.
  8. News: Juventus 0–0 Benfica. 2 May 2014. BBC Sport. 1 May 2014.
  9. News: Benfica: o que acontece quando Enzo Pérez não joga?. maisfutebol. 12 February 2014. 2 June 2014. 12 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141112055739/http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/liga-benfica-enzo-perez-topnews-pacos-de-ferreira/52fb8e07e4b0cd8fd24a6367.html. dead.
  10. News: Manchester United battle Valencia to land €30m Benfica midfielder Enzo Perez. 101greatgoals.com. 2 June 2014. 2 June 2014. 23 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200923010136/https://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/manchester-united-battle-valencia-to-land-e30m-benfica-midfielder-enzo-perez-o-jogo/. dead.
  11. Web site: Enzo tem um caráter muito forte. desporto.sapo. 2 June 2014. 2 June 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140605054718/http://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira_liga/artigo/2014/06/02/jorge_jesus_enzo_tem_um_car_ter.html. 5 June 2014. dead.
  12. News: Jorge Jesús: "Enzo Pérez será el más difícil de sustituir". plazadeportiva.com. 2 June 2014. 2 June 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140606215459/http://www.plazadeportiva.com/ver/22991/jorge-jesus-enzo-sera-el-mas-dificil-de-sustituir.html. 6 June 2014. dead.
  13. Web site: Enzo Perez eleito melhor jogador da época passada . Enzo elected Best Player of 2013–14 . MaisFutebol . pt . 6 July 2014 . 10 July 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714235212/http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/liga-benfica-enzo-perez-jorge-jesus-sorteio-liga/53b9907d0cf211e532e57130.html . 14 July 2014 . dead .
  14. Web site: Comunicado . pt . Announcement . 2 January 2015 . . . 3 January 2015 . 3 January 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150103023926/http://web3.cmvm.pt/sdi2004/emitentes/docs/FR53451.pdf . dead .
  15. Web site: Presentación oficial de Enzo Pérez como nuevo jugador del Valencia CF . es . Official presentation of Enzo Pérez as new player of Valencia CF . 2 January 2015 . . 3 January 2015 . 3 January 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150103015222/http://www.valenciacf.com/ver/39696/presentacion-oficial-de-enzo-perez-como-nuevo-jugador-del-valencia-cf.html . dead .
  16. Web site: Comunicado . pt . Announcement . 29 December 2014 . . . 29 December 2014 . 29 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229230457/http://web3.cmvm.pt/sdi2004/emitentes/docs/FR53412.pdf . dead .
  17. Web site: Enzo Pérez é o 10.º argentino mais caro da história . pt . Enzo Pérez is the 10th most expensive Argentine in history . 31 December 2014 . . 3 January 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150103011423/http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=522038 . 3 January 2015 . dead .
  18. Web site: Valencia vs. Real Madrid - 4 January 2015 - Soccerway . 4 January 2015 . Soccerway . 4 January 2015.
  19. Web site: Valencia Club de Fútbol. 11 August 2017. 17 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180617044409/http://www.valenciacf.com/ver/71759/comunicado-oficial--enzo-perez.html. dead.
  20. Web site: El triunfo más increíble de la era Gallardo . es . The most incredible triumph in Gallardo's era . 19 May 2021 . . 20 May 2021.
  21. Web site: River Plate play midfielder Enzo Perez in goal but still beat Independiente Santa Fe. BBC. 20 May 2021. 20 May 2021.
  22. Web site: Keeper-less River Plate secure memorable Copa Libertadores win. ESPN. 19 May 2021. 20 May 2021.
  23. Web site: 2021-04-21 . Una alegría para los hinchas de River: Enzo Pérez renovó contrato y podría retirarse con la banda roja . 2023-06-21 . Todo Noticias . es.
  24. Web site: 10 January 2024 . Enzo Pérez volvió al Pincha . Enzo Pérez returned to Pincha . 10 January 2024 . Estudiantes de La Plata . es.
  25. Web site: Maradona deu a mão a Enzo Pérez. 8 June 2011. Jornal Record.
  26. Web site: Los 19 para Ghana. 24 September 2009. Diario Olé. 27 September 2009. 27 September 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090927062204/http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2009/09/24/seleccion/02005528.html. dead.
  27. News: Enzo Pérez confirmado no Mundial. noticiasaominuto.com. 2 June 2014.
  28. Web site: Netherlands Argentina Match report. https://web.archive.org/web/20140711222119/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255955/match=300186490/report.html#nosticky. dead. 11 July 2014. FIFA.com.
  29. Web site: Germany Argentina Match report. https://web.archive.org/web/20140609005350/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255959/match=300186501/index.html#lineups. dead. 9 June 2014. FIFA,com.
  30. Web site: Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - Final 23-man lists Goal.com.
  31. News: Icardi cut from Argentina's 23-man World Cup squad . . . 21 May 2018 . 21 May 2018.
  32. Web site: Enzo Pérez, convocado. AFA. 9 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180611103210/http://www.afa.com.ar/9897/enzo-perez-convocado. 11 June 2018. dead.
  33. Web site: Benfica bicampeão: 28 com as faixas e dois à espera . pt . Benfica back-to-back champion: 28 with the sashes and two await . Cunha . Pedro Jorge . 17 May 2015 . Maisfutebol . 19 May 2015.
  34. Web site: Así quedó el equipo ideal de la Copa Libertadores 2019 . OneFootball . 14 August 2023 . es . 25 November 2019.
  35. Web site: El GET elige al Once Ideal de la CONMEBOL Libertadores 2020 - CONMEBOL . 14 August 2023 . es . 4 February 2021.
  36. Web site: Prémios da Liga: Veja quem são os vencedores. pt. League awards: See who are the winners. 6 July 2014. zerozero. 4 July 2015.