The heroics of last season are still fresh in the minds of Sunderland fans, and the excitement is clearly building ahead of a first European campaign in over 50 years. We’re living in dreamland at the moment, with our wildest expectations completely surpassed during a whirlwind 12 months. However, if we were to add a pinch of reality…
It’s no secret to anyone who watched the Lads last season that we were crying out for an out-and-out right winger. Throughout the campaign, that position felt like a game
of tactical musical chairs, with Trai Hume predominantly deputising out of position, while Chris Rigg also made cameos due to the void left by successive (and somewhat predictable) injuries to the only true option in that role, Bertrand Traoré, who has since departed.
We need a bit of magic, a bit of swagger out on the right. Something like Patrick Roberts in his prime, or Amad Diallo during his majestic loan spell. A player who is disruptive, creative and capable of unlocking stubborn defences.
Enter the latest name to emerge from the Sunderland rumour mill this summer – Matías Soulé. The Argentine has been making serious waves in Italy and has forced his way into the notebooks of European scouts with his displays.
So, is he the real deal? Or just another overhyped YouTube highlight reel?
Who is Matías Soulé?
Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Matías Soulé Malvano is a highly coveted 23-year-old left-footed attacking midfielder and wide forward currently playing for Serie A giants AS Roma. Known for his dribbling ability, creative flair and set-piece expertise, he has drawn comparisons with compatriot Ángel Di María.
Soulé originally moved to Europe from the Vélez Sarsfield academy to join Juventus’ youth setup. His big break came during a loan spell at then-Serie A side Frosinone, where he scored 11 goals and registered three assists in 36 appearances for the relegated club.
That electric form earned him a move to AS Roma for a reported €28 million in the summer of 2024, and he has since developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic wide players. His time with the Giallorossi has so far yielded 81 appearances, 12 goals and 12 assists.
Whilst he is yet to be capped by Argentina’s senior side, he did receive his first call-up to the Albiceleste at the age of 18 when Lionel Scaloni selected him during his time at Juventus, although he has yet to earn his first cap. Thanks to his dual nationality, which includes Italian citizenship, Soulé also found himself in Luciano Spalletti’s crosshairs back in 2023. Despite an approach from the then-Italy boss, he pledged his international future to Argentina.
What Do His Stats Say?
Looking primarily at his statistics from last season, Soulé’s profile makes for exciting reading for those of us who love an entertaining and dynamic winger (sign me up!).
To say he’s a good dribbler would be a criminal understatement. Soulé recorded 35 successful dribbles (1.47 per 90 – 90th percentile) and attempted 104 dribbles (4.37 per 90), placing him in the 72nd and 81st percentiles respectively among players in Europe’s top five leagues.
Digging deeper into those numbers, Soulé averaged 7.70 entries into the final third (97th percentile), including 3.66 carries into the final third (97th percentile). He also registered 1,516 touches last season (95th percentile), with 98 of those coming inside the opposition penalty area (89th percentile).
Soulé is just as dangerous creatively, registering five assists from an xA of 4.88 (89th and 88th percentile respectively) in a league renowned for its defensive resilience – no mean feat. He also completed 21 crosses with a success rate of 30% (88th and 84th percentile respectively), created 45 chances for his team-mates (89th percentile) and completed 835 passes (95th percentile), including 4.84 passes per 90 into the final third (93rd percentile).
To finish the statistical deep dive into his attacking qualities, the boy also knows where the back of the net is. Scoring six Serie A goals last term from an xG of 3.96 highlights elite-level finishing, outperforming the quality of the chances he received. That is further reinforced by his rankings for shots, shots on target and xG on target, where Soulé sits in the 92nd, 88th and 89th percentiles respectively.
In short, Soulé is relentless. When he receives the ball on the right flank, his first instinct is to drive the opposition full-back towards their own goal line or cut sharply inside onto his favoured left foot before either creating for a team-mate or punishing the opposition himself.
The Verdict
Simply put, Soulé is a premium, top-tier talent. He brings South American flair, elite close control, a genuine set-piece threat and a reliable end product. He would be the catalyst for breaking down stubborn defences and would give the Lads a genuine attacking threat down the right-hand side.
With rumours of a €35 million fee being touted, signing Soulé could see Sunderland break their transfer record for the second successive season. With Roma having paid a similar fee only two years ago, though, a healthy dose of realism is required when considering whether this is a genuinely achievable deal.
However, there is one factor that adds fuel to the fire. Soulé was one of Florent Ghisolfi’s first signings as Director of Football at the Stadio Olimpico. If he signed him once, could he do it again? Only time will tell.
