Alan Franco
CB (RB)
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Aug 21, 1998 (27)
Right
5'9"
148 lb
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Quiet match in loss
Alan Franco had two tackles (two won), one clearance and two interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Alan Franco fulfilled his role during his 62 minutes on the pitch, with Ecuador still level at the time of his substitution. He created one chance going forward but saw limited attacking involvement in a match that was nearly even in possession. Defensively, Franco won his tackles, though much of the Cote d'Ivoire attacking threat came from the opposite flank, directed toward Piero Hincapie. If Franco starts Ecuador's next match against Curacao, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their opener and are the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup, he will have a more favorable opportunity to contribute to a clean sheet.
Could offer versatility in midfield
Franco will look to make consistent appearances as part of his country's regular options throughout the World Cup.
Analysis: Franco's presence gives Ecuador valuable flexibility heading into the big international competition, as he's capable of contributing either in central midfield or on the right side of the attack. The veteran has become a reliable option for the national team thanks to his tactical discipline, work rate and ability to adapt to different roles depending on the opponent. While he's not typically a high-volume scorer or creator, Franco tallied a couple of assists over his 13 appearances (12 starts) in the qualifiers. He might also help maintain balance by supporting possession while covering significant ground defensively. Regardless of his role in the rotation, he should remain a regular part of Ecuador's plans.
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