Jhon Arias has become Wolves’ second signing of the summer, boosting Vitor Pereira’s attacking options, and wolves.co.uk delves into what Old Gold supporters can expect from the new recruit.
- Name: Jhon Arias
- Date of birth: 21st September 1997
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Nationality: Colombian
- Previous clubs: Patriotas, Llaneros (loan), Amarica de Cali, Santa Fe and Fluminense
- Appearances: 330
- Goals: 56
- Assists: 61
Background
Arias began his career in his home nation, making his senior debut while on loan at Llaneros in the second tier of Colombian football. After 35 appearances in the 2018 season, he returned to his parent club Patriotas in the top tier and wasn’t fazed by the step up in quality. Following a permanent move to America de Cali he won the Colombian title, but after just one year he moved on to Santa Fe in the same division. However, after impressive performances there, just seven months later he got his move abroad, to Fluminense in Brazil.
After being patient for his opportunities off the bench in Rio de Janeiro, Arias was an established member of the group which won the Copa Libertadores, the South American Champions League equivalent. Like new Wolves teammate Andre, Arias was named in the Team of the Tournament and was also placed in the Campeonato Carioca and South American Teams of the Year.
Just last month Arias was listed in the Team of the Tournament at the Club World Cup in the United States, leading the way for chances created with 18, six ahead of the next best, former Wolves skipper Ruben Neves.
Internationally, Arias has played 31 times, scoring three goals for Colombia and playing on four occasions with Yerson Mosquera, with the pair not losing a game together to date.
Playing style
The Colombian is 5ft 7in but has a stocky frame and remains difficult to outmuscle. He has impressive upper body strength and is a sharp, dynamic player. Arias’ preferred role as an inverted winger makes him an ideal fit for Pereira’s system.
Although he’s a right footed player who prefers to operate on the right, he has the capability to mix up his play; from the traditional winger who can attack the line and cross, to drifting into central pockets to connect with, and create for, his fellow attackers. It’s hoped his hunger to deliver crosses and provide assists will benefit Jorgen Strand Larsen and the other attackers at the club. Although successful at finding pockets on the right channel and opening teams up, Arias is versatile enough to play on the left too, as he has done several times in the past.
Attitude
Wolves’ character references were resoundingly positive on Arias. Both Andre and Mosquera spoke positively about the Colombian, both as a character and a player. During his teenage years Arias left Colombia for Mexico in a bid to carve a career in the game, playing for Dorados and Tinuana under-20s, and although he didn’t make a senior appearance, will have gained from the experience. In fact, with Arias not making his senior debut for Llaneros until the age of 20, he plays with a clear hunger and determination.
Arias is happy to take responsibility individually and has often been his side’s penalty taker, scoring his latest one for Fluminense against Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in April. The attacker is also comfortable over a dead ball and scored an eye-catching free-kick in the Club World Cup against Ulsan HD last month – a game where he was also voted Player of the Match.
