In the last few years Serie A has witnessed a wave of South American talents emerge in the peninsula, which has drastically increased the technical level of the League. But unlike most of his colleagues, who were brought in from Argentina and Brazil, Juan Manuel Vargas comes from Peru. When Catania signed the full-back they soon realised how he could became a superstar. ‘El Loco’ has settled quickly into the team and established himself as a regular starter in place of veteran Gianluca Falsini.
“From South America I was watching Italian football via the internet, and I found out about Catania following their promotion to Serie A,” said the 24-year-old, which is probably why he turned down an offer from Portsmouth to join the Elefantini. “I believe Catania is the right place to jump-start my career. Sicily has got that touch of Latin America and this is an exceptional city.”
Vargas started his career at Universitario and he made his Copa Libertadores debut for the club aged just 19. Then in 2005 he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse by Colòn de Santa Fe, who play in the more prestigious Argentine League. During his time there he attracted plenty of European scouts, and he did himself no harm at all after netting a wonderful equaliser against Boca Juniors at La Bombonera in 2006. Catania signed him soon after.
Juan Manuel is described as a fighter on the pitch with a natural attacking instinct. He is also a very versatile player who can be used both as a full-back and as a winger. “I am a traditional South American and I love to play the ball,” said the Peruvian international. “My idol is Roberto Carlos and I am trying to raise my level even further.”
After 33 appearances last season he was a man in demand. Napoli showed plenty of interest, but President Antonino Pulvirenti could not see his new talent leave Catania just yet. This term Vargas has been one of Silvio Baldini’s main men, constantly going up and down the left flank. In Week 6, when the Sicilians managed to hold Milan 1-1 at the San Siro, he was one of the best players on the pitch. Marcos Cafu and Massimo Oddo rarely went past him and regularly suffered from his attacking incursions.
His versatility has also given Baldini plenty of options in each game. Whenever the former Palermo boss realises his team is losing control of the game he moves Vargas into the midfield, knowing that the Peruvian will be able to help both in attack and in defence. His fiery character gives him the ability to lead the defensive line and his strength has no equal in the Rossoblu team.
Although not yet the finished product, Vargas’ improvements over the last year have been more than satisfactory. In Catania they know it’s just a matter of time before he moves on to one of the big boys, which the player himself has acknowledged. “I would like to move to a bigger club at some point in the future,” he said. “But for now I focus on the present because I want to keep on doing well for this club.”
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