Linda Caicedo: Colombia’s wonder kid

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At just 18, Colombia’s Linda Caicedo has been one of the most talked-about players at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Not least after her spectacular goal against Germany (below) in the group stage helped her team reach the round of 16. 

Caicedo's nascent career has been impacted by a victory bigger than anything she might go on to achieve on the pitch. At the age of 15 she overcame ovarian cancer, almost quitting football in the process. On her return to the game, she shone for Colombian clubs América de Cali and Deportivo Cali. This led her to sign for Real Madrid in February 2023, becoming the first female Colombian to play for Los Blancos.

Just a few days after arriving in Madrid, she scored her first goal for the club in the Copa de la Reina, against Villarreal. Since then, her impact has continued to grow in the Spanish capital, as well as with the Colombian national team. Here, The Coaches' Voice analyses a player who has captivated crowds around the world.

Technical analysis

Caicedo stands out for her speed when driving with the ball. She has close control on her dominant right foot, beating opponents by combining small touches with the outside of her foot and the instep. This allows her to bamboozle defenders with jinking runs.

Although she is often direct in her play, she has the capacity to manage the tempo of the game. This is something she has developed at Real Madrid, along with judging when to move into the central channel from the flanks (below).

Diagonal dribbles past several defenders are a feature of her game, adjusting her speed and body orientation according to her opponents' positioning. With good awareness of everything around her, she can then hone in on dangerous areas near goal.

Off the ball, Caicedo’s movements in attack are mainly aimed at taking advantage of the spaces created by her teammates (below, for Colombia). She typically arrives in these positions through changes of direction or sheer pace.

Versatility

Caicedo is a versatile attacker, able to play on either flank, or as a striker. Her speed and decision-making helps take opponents by surprise (below, for Real Madrid). She will draw opponents in, get past them and either link-up with teammates or go for goal herself.

Caicedo can also play as an attacking midfielder or as a number 10. In both positions, she operates with freedom of movement, beating defensive lines by driving with the ball and using quick, but elegant feints.

A slight 5ft 3ins, she has a low centre of gravity that helps her agility on and off the ball. But her style of play does take its toll. At present, her output tends to diminish in the final minutes of matches. This is particularly the case when she is on the end of tactical fouling, which can lead to her substitution.

Winger

Caicedo has played more as a winger at Real Madrid, alternating between right and left wing, depending on the opponent. On both flanks, she has a tendency to move inside, where she feels more comfortable linking up and finishing moves. 

On the right wing for Madrid in the 2022/23 season, she often looked to reach the byline and cross towards attackers such as Caroline Møller, Naomie Feller, Athenea del Castillo, Nahikari García or Esther González (below).

As an inverted winger on the left, she is more decisive. There, she can make better use of the inside spaces with her dribbling and breakaway runs. The Colombian tends to receive in the inside lane, and attempts to take advantage of the diagonal spaces to finish or assist (below, for Real Madrid).

From this position, she can strike towards the far corner of the goal on her right foot, as she did against Germany at the 2023 World Cup. On both flanks, Caicedo’s temperament and boldness mean she is always looking to receive the ball.

Room for improvement

There is certainly room for improvement out of possession. Caicedo is eager to join the first press, but can be exposed – Colombia's collective pressing has not always been coordinated well enough to close passing lines (below). She isn't much of a tackler and also avoids aerial duels, preferring to wait for an opponent's mistake to get the ball.

In possession, her desire to shine individually could be balanced better with the needs of the team. On occasion, she is guilty of being individualistic and driving with the ball when a better passing option is available. This is something being polished at Real Madrid (below).

Tactically, Caicedo can do more to find spaces where, although she may not receive the ball, her movement will open up options for teammates. At 18, she can also grow in strength and power, which will allow her to be more resilient in physical contact.

If – and it's probably a matter of when – she makes progress in these areas, allied with the quality she already possesses, Caicedo's prospects are exciting to say the least. Real Madrid and Colombia have a potential superstar on their hands.

To learn more about football tactics and gain insights from coaches at the top of the game, visit CV Academy

Author: The Coaches' Voice