Famous for his role as back in the La Dolfina line up Juan Martin Nero is a traditional number 4. Last season he played number 4 for the new to the UK high goal team Gaston. While the team struggled to compete against some of the more established teams, Nero put in a solid performance which helped to stem the attacks and limit the goals scored against them. His huge and accurate, angled backhands shift the playing dynamic from defence to attack in a second and as a traditionally positioned back who stays behind the last man he is always there the ensure the back door is shut. His years of experience playing with and against the best in the world gives him a superior understanding of the plays and he is able to easily read the field and anticipate any attacks that are likely to reach him. He is strong in the ride off and quick with the steal making him an intimidating opponent.
A vital part of the team, Nero's tendency to hang back and play in the defensive zone is refelected heavily in the stats. Unlike some of the younger backs, whos playing style brings them upfield and into attack, Nero does not have many shooting opportunities and prioritises defence. However he did start to run forward a little more in the Gold Cup, increasing his throw in wins and the amount of possession he took of the ball in an attacking capacity.
Queen's Cup Stats:
Games Played: 3
Field Goals: 1/11 (9% accuracy)
Assists: 3
Throw Ins: 7
Gold Cup Stats:
Games Played: 5
Field Goals: 6/20 (30% accuracy)
Assists: 5
Throw Ins: 19
He excels in areas including:
- Field Awareness and Anticipation
- Ride-off
- Backhand
- Shooting