Marcos Senesi
Argentine footballer.
Marcos Nicolás Senesi Barón, born on May 10, 1997, is an Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a centre-back for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and the Argentina national team. Senesi's career has been marked by steady progression and impressive performances across multiple leagues. He began his professional journey with San Lorenzo in Argentina, where he made his debut in 2016 and quickly established himself as a promising young defender. In 2019, Senesi made a significant move to Feyenoord in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he further developed his skills and gained valuable European experience. His performances in the Netherlands caught the attention of several top clubs, leading to his transfer to AFC Bournemouth in August 2022 for a reported fee of £13 million. Since joining Bournemouth, Senesi has become an integral part of their defense, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demanding nature of Premier League football.
His consistent displays have earned him recognition both in England and internationally, culminating in his debut for the Argentina national team in 2022. Senesi's journey from San Lorenzo to the Premier League exemplifies his growth as a player and his potential to become one of the top defenders in world football. His versatility, technical skills, and leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Early life & youth football
Marcos Senesi's early life and youth career were rooted in his hometown of Concordia, Entre Ríos, Argentina. Born into a football-loving family, Senesi showed promise from a young age. He joined the youth academy of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's most prestigious clubs, in 2009 at the age of 12. Senesi progressed through the ranks of San Lorenzo's youth system, honing his skills and developing his tactical understanding of the game. His performances in the youth teams caught the attention of the club's senior management, leading to his promotion to the first team in 2016. This early exposure to high-level training and competition laid the foundation for Senesi's future success and helped shape him into the defender he is today.
Professional career
Marcos Senesi's professional career began at San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's most prestigious clubs. He joined their youth academy in 2009 at the age of 12 and progressed through the ranks, showcasing his talent and potential as a defender.Senesi made his first-team debut for San Lorenzo on September 25, 2016, at the age of 19. He started in an Argentine Primera División match against Club Atlético Patronato, marking the beginning of his professional career.
This debut came after years of development in the club's youth system and was a significant milestone for the young defender.Throughout his time at San Lorenzo, Senesi gradually established himself as a key player in the team's defense. His performances were characterized by his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game well. These qualities, combined with his physical presence, made him an increasingly important figure in San Lorenzo's backline.
A notable moment in Senesi's San Lorenzo career came on September 16, 2017, when he scored his first and only goal for the club. This goal proved to be the winner in a 1-0 victory against Arsenal de Sarandí, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively.During his time at San Lorenzo, Senesi made a total of 51 appearances in the Argentine Primera División across four seasons (2016-17 to 2019-20). He also gained valuable experience in continental competitions, featuring in 15 matches across the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
This exposure to high-level South American club football was crucial for his development as a player.Senesi's performances at San Lorenzo did not go unnoticed, and he began to attract attention from European clubs. His consistent displays in the Argentine top flight and in continental competitions showcased his potential to succeed at a higher level.In the 2018-19 season, Senesi played a significant role for San Lorenzo, making 23 league appearances and featuring in 9 Copa Libertadores matches.
This increased involvement highlighted his growing importance to the team and his readiness for a new challenge.Senesi's final season with San Lorenzo in 2019-20 was brief, as he made only 4 league appearances before his transfer to Feyenoord in the Netherlands. His last match for San Lorenzo came on August 25, 2019, against Talleres de Córdoba.On September 2, 2019, Senesi's time at San Lorenzo came to an end when he transferred to Feyenoord for a reported fee of €7 million.
This move marked the end of his development at San Lorenzo and the beginning of his European adventure.Senesi's journey from San Lorenzo's youth academy to becoming a first-team regular and eventually securing a move to Europe is a testament to the club's ability to nurture talent. His time at San Lorenzo laid the foundation for his future success, providing him with the skills and experience necessary to compete at the highest levels of European football. Senesi joined Feyenoord on September 2, 2019, signing a four-year contract with the Dutch club.
The transfer marked a significant step in Senesi's career, moving from Argentina's San Lorenzo to one of the Netherlands' most prestigious clubs.Senesi's debut for Feyenoord came on September 22, 2019, in a 3-1 victory against FC Emmen. He quickly adapted to Dutch football and became a regular starter in Feyenoord's defense. His first goal for the club came on November 10, 2019, scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 victory against RKC Waalwijk.
This goal, a header from a free-kick in the 85th minute, showcased Senesi's ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively.In his first season (2019-20), Senesi made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring 2 goals. Despite the season being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Senesi had already established himself as a key player for Feyenoord.The 2020-21 season saw Senesi further cement his place in the team.
He made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals. His performances were crucial in helping Feyenoord secure a fifth-place finish in the Eredivisie. Senesi's contributions were recognized when he won the Eredivisie Goal of the Year award for the 2020-21 season.Senesi's final season at Feyenoord (2021-22) was his most successful.
He played a pivotal role in the team's run to the UEFA Europa Conference League final, making 17 appearances in European competitions. Although Feyenoord lost the final to AS Roma, Senesi's performances throughout the tournament attracted attention from clubs across Europe.In total, Senesi made 116 appearances for Feyenoord across all competitions, scoring 8 goals. His time at the club was characterized by consistent performances, defensive solidity, and an ability to contribute to the attack when needed.
Senesi's ball-playing skills and tactical intelligence made him well-suited to Feyenoord's style of play, and he quickly became a fan favorite at De Kuip.Senesi's development at Feyenoord also caught the attention of the Argentina national team. His performances in the Eredivisie and European competitions played a significant role in his first call-up to the senior Argentina squad in June 2022.On August 8, 2022, Senesi's time at Feyenoord came to an end when he transferred to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The move, reportedly worth around £13 million, represented a significant profit for Feyenoord and a new challenge for Senesi in one of the world's top leagues.Marcos Senesi's first season in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth was a period of adaptation and growth. He joined the club on August 8, 2022, for a reported fee of £13 million, signing a four-year contract. Senesi made his Premier League debut on August 20, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 loss against Arsenal.
He quickly established himself as a regular in Bournemouth's defense, making 31 Premier League appearances, 29 of which were starts. Senesi scored his first Premier League goal on October 8, 2022, in a 2-2 draw against Leicester City. He added another goal later in the season, finishing with 2 goals in the league campaign. Defensively, Senesi adapted well to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, showcasing his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions.
His performances were crucial in helping Bournemouth secure their Premier League status, as the team finished 15th in the table. Senesi also featured in cup competitions, making one appearance in the FA Cup and two in the EFL Cup. Throughout the season, he demonstrated his versatility by playing both as a centre-back and occasionally as a left-back. His first season in England was generally considered a success, as he adjusted to a new league and established himself as a key player for Bournemouth.
Marcos Senesi's second season with AFC Bournemouth saw him further cement his status as one of the team's most important players. He made 31 Premier League appearances, all of them starts, showcasing his consistency and importance to the team. Senesi's defensive performances were particularly noteworthy, as he helped Bournemouth improve their defensive record from the previous season. He also demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively, scoring 4 goals in the Premier League, doubling his tally from the previous season.
One of his standout performances came in December 2023, when he was shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Month award. Senesi's form throughout the season attracted attention from larger clubs, leading to speculation about his future. However, he remained committed to Bournemouth, playing a crucial role in their improved league performance. In addition to his league appearances, Senesi featured in 3 FA Cup matches and 2 EFL Cup games, highlighting his importance across all competitions.
His performances helped Bournemouth secure a comfortable mid-table finish, improving on their previous season's position. Senesi's growth as a player was evident throughout the season, with his composure on the ball and defensive positioning continuing to impress observers. His successful adaptation to Premier League football strengthened his position in the Argentina national team setup.
National team
Marcos Senesi's youth international career was relatively limited, as he did not feature extensively for Argentina's youth teams. However, he was called up to the Argentina U20 squad in 2017 for a series of friendly matches. These experiences, although brief, provided Senesi with his first taste of international football and the opportunity to represent his country at the youth level. Despite not being a regular fixture in Argentina's youth setup, Senesi's performances at club level continued to attract attention from national team scouts.
His development at San Lorenzo and later at Feyenoord demonstrated his potential to become a future senior international. The limited involvement in youth international football did not hinder Senesi's progress, as he focused on establishing himself at club level, which ultimately paved the way for his senior international career.Marcos Senesi's senior international career began relatively late, but it has been marked by significant achievements and potential for growth. He received his first call-up to the Argentina national team in June 2022, at the age of 25. This call-up came after a period of speculation about his international future, as he was also eligible to represent Italy through his ancestry. Senesi made his debut for Argentina on June 5, 2022, in a friendly match against Estonia, coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 victory.
His inclusion in the national team squad was a testament to his impressive performances at club level, particularly during his time at Feyenoord
Player’s style
Marcos Senesi's style of play is characterized by his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and versatility as a defender. Standing at 1.85 meters tall, he possesses a good blend of physical presence and agility. Senesi is primarily left-footed, which makes him valuable as a left-sided centre-back or as a left-back when needed.
His ball-playing skills are a standout feature of his game, allowing him to contribute effectively to his team's build-up play from the back. Senesi is known for his ability to read the game well, making timely interceptions and showing good positional awareness. He is comfortable in possession and capable of playing accurate long passes to initiate attacks. Defensively, Senesi is strong in aerial duels and one-on-one situations.
His tactical flexibility and composure under pressure make him well-suited to various defensive systems and styles of play.