Dario Benedetto, the 23 year old Argentinian striker, will join Xolos Tijuana for the upcoming Apertura 2013 tournament. Benedetto played the previous season with Arsenal de Sarandi in the Argentinian top division, where he scored 7 goals in 34 appearances. Benedetto is the solution Xolos Sports Director Ignacio Palou found to replace the gap left in the offense by the departure of Duvier Riascos to Pachuca.
Dario Benedetto is a speedy player that can play well on the sides of the pitch, passing, dribbling, crossing, and is adept at scoring as well. Benedetto also possesses a powerful shot, which might be used instead of Fernando Arce for Xolos’ longer free kicks. Thus, even though he is labeled a “striker” he is more mobile and agile than Herculez Gomez or Danny Marquez; Benedetto will most likely make an appearance on the right flank, replacing the position Riascos used to cover.
The addition of Dario Benedetto fills up the 5 foreign player spots Xolos has (Benedetto, Aguilar, Gandolfi, Martinez, and Pellerano), and explains why Jaimen Ayovi had stated earlier in the month that he would not be joining Xolos this season due to unavailability of foreign spots. With the addition of the last foreigner to the roster, it appears Coach Jorge Almiron has his team ready for the upcoming Apertura 2013 season (pending any signings of Mexican National Team players).
It is also important to note that Benedetto was coached by Jorge Almiron when he played at Defensa y Justicia, and likely explains why the somewhat unknown player was acquired by Xolos. Overall, this transfer appears to be a solid move for Tijuana, who have apparently found the adequate player to provide the speed that Riascos had previously given to the team.
After this transfer season’s additions and departures, I believe Almiron will use this lineup in the Liga MX:
- Defense: Diablito Nunez, Aguilar, Gandolfi, Castillo (Cirilo as GK of course)
- Midfield: Pellerano, Arce, Corona
- Strikers: Herc Gomez, Martinez, Benedetto
