Reinildo Mandava

Reinildo Isnard Mandava



Current Club: Sunderland.

Previous Clubs: Atletico Madrid, LOSC Lille, B SAD, Benfica, LD Maputo, Ferroviario Beira.

Loan Clubs: LOSC Lille, SC Covilha, Fafe.





International: Mozambique 35 caps 2 goals.

Trophies Won: French Ligue 1 2020/21. French Super Cup 2021/22.





An interesting pick up on a Bosman, Reinildo brings experience, being 31 years old and solidity to the back line, with an added bonus of being able to cover centre-back and left midfield, as well as his preferred left-back role. Physically, he is very suited to the Premier League, with pace and power, a good leap and good aerial ability, though just under 6 foot tall. You can see that he has spent some time working under Diego Simeone, as he has that grit the Argentine instils in his players.



He does have a very good left foot on him, with the ability to hit an accurate cross-field pass when the space is open. His crossing can also be excellent too. Reinildo does seem to be a little erratic, he is on the rash side and makes challenges when he would be better served waiting.



When it is working, he looks unbeatable, but one error of judgement and suddenly he can look a bit uncertain or rushes in trying to make up for his mistake. That could be a problem with Sunderland, as it is likely they are going to struggle and that could set him off trying too hard. If the manager keeps him focused and calm, he could be an excellent addition as he is certainly decent quality on and off the ball.



I do think he suffers a bit from moving between centre-back and left-back, as his reading of the game and positioning can be very good at times, others it can be lacking. Watching him, it seems like he gets caught between playing like a full-back and playing like a centre-back and the hesitation as he realises and adjusts his position can be costly. Reinildo is not the most attacking of full-backs either.



In fact, it does feel like he would be playing in the centre but for his height being below 6ft and it being seen as a little short. Despite being able to play in midfield, his attacking often feels a bit forced, like he is just getting forward without really wanting to and feeling uncomfortable in the opposition's third. That could also be due to the games I have seen him play being at Atleti, with Simeone not being the most attack-minded coach!



Playing with freedom might just bring out the best in him and allow him to perform at another level from previous. Or it might just be that he is a decent but limited full-back. It did feel like he had more to offer, but at 31 it might just be too late for him to adapt to the faster pace of the Premier League over La Liga.



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