Carlos Alcaraz

.

Carlos Alcaraz is an Argentine professional footballer who has made significant strides in his career as a midfielder. Born on November 30, 2002, in La Plata, Argentina, Alcaraz began his journey in football with Racing Club, where he showcased his talent in the youth system. He made his professional debut for Racing in 2020 and quickly became a key player for the club, known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. In January 2023, Alcaraz moved to Southampton for approximately €13.5 million, where he continued to develop his skills in the Premier League. After a successful loan spell at Juventus, he returned to Southampton but ultimately signed with Flamengo in July 2024 for €18 million. Alcaraz is recognized for his versatility as a box-to-box midfielder and has quickly become an important player for both club and country.

Early life & youth football

Professional career

Carlos Alcaraz's time at Racing Club was instrumental in launching his professional career. He joined Racing's youth academy at a young age and quickly progressed through the ranks. Alcaraz made his professional debut for Racing on January 26, 2020, at the age of 17, in a match against Atlético Tucumán. This marked the beginning of a promising career for the young midfielder.Over the next three years, Alcaraz established himself as a key player for Racing Club. He made a total of 83 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing 6 assists. His performances were characterized by his versatility in midfield, strong technical skills, and an eye for goal.Alcaraz played a crucial role in Racing's successful campaigns during his time there. He was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the Primera División in the 2022 season. One of the highlights of his Racing career came when he scored the winning goal in the Champions Trophy final against Boca Juniors, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.His style of play at Racing drew comparisons to Frank Lampard, particularly for his timing of runs into the box and his ability to score from long-range free-kicks. Alcaraz's performances at Racing not only endeared him to the fans but also caught the attention of European clubs, setting the stage for his move to England.In January 2023, Southampton completed the signing of Carlos Alcaraz from Racing Club for a reported fee of £12 million on a four-and-a-half-year contract. The move represented a significant step in Alcaraz's career, bringing him to the Premier League at the age of 20.Alcaraz made an immediate impact at Southampton, scoring on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This quick start demonstrated his ability to adapt to the demands of English football. Over the course of his time at Southampton, Alcaraz made 48 appearances for the club, scoring 8 goals and providing 5 assists.Despite Southampton's struggles in the Premier League, which ultimately led to their relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2022-23 season, Alcaraz was often a bright spot in the team. His performances showed promise and potential, even in a challenging environment.In the first half of the 2023-24 season, Alcaraz was loaned out to Juventus in Serie A. This move provided him with experience in another top European league and exposure to Champions League football. He made 12 appearances for Juventus and was part of the team that won the Coppa Italia.Upon returning to Southampton, Alcaraz made one brief appearance in the 2024-25 Premier League season, playing around ten minutes in the opening match against Newcastle United. However, his time at Southampton was coming to an end as the club looked to reshape its squad following relegation.Despite the challenges faced during his time at Southampton, Alcaraz's performances and potential continued to attract interest from other clubs, setting the stage for his next move.In July 2024, Carlos Alcaraz completed a transfer to Brazilian club Flamengo for a reported fee of €18 million (approximately £18 million). This move marked a return to South America for the 21-year-old midfielder, albeit to a different country than his native Argentina.Alcaraz signed a five-year contract with Flamengo, demonstrating the club's long-term commitment to the player. The transfer was seen as a significant coup for Flamengo, bringing in a young talent with experience in top European leagues.

National team

Alcaraz's international career began with Argentina's youth teams, where he represented the U20 squad. He showcased his potential on the international stage and was part of the team that competed in various youth tournaments. Although he has not yet made his debut for the senior national team, his performances at club level have put him on the radar for future call-ups. As he continues to develop and gain experience in top-flight football, Alcaraz is expected to be part of Argentina's next generation of talent.

Player’s style

Carlos Alcaraz's style of play is characterized by his versatility and technical ability as a midfielder. He can operate effectively as a central midfielder or attacking midfielder, showcasing excellent ball control and passing skills. Alcaraz is known for making intelligent runs into the box and contributing to goal-scoring opportunities. His vision and creativity allow him to create chances for teammates while also being a threat himself in front of goal. Additionally, Alcaraz possesses a strong work ethic and covers significant ground during matches, contributing defensively as well. As he continues to adapt to different playing styles in Europe, his potential to become a key player both at club and international levels remains high.