What Gary Medel Brings to the Premier League and Cardiff City

Newly promoted Cardiff City has broken the club’s transfer record fee for the third time this summer by signing Sevilla midfielder Gary Medel. But was he worth the reported €13 million reported by Spanish paper Marca?

It will be up to the club and the fans to decide if Medel is worth the sum. But when it comes to “El Pitbull,” you always know what you are going to get.

In this article, we will take a look at what Medel brings to the Premier League and, more importantly, his new club.

Note: all statistics are courtesy of WhoScored.com

Midfield Stability

The biggest impact that Medel will have on the pitch for Cardiff City is his ability to control the midfield. The Chilean may be a defensive midfielder, but all play tends to flow through him.

The 26-year-old is known for his ability to make key stops in the center of the pitch, as evidenced by his average of three tackles per game last season. But he is also capable of reading the game well and averaged nearly two interceptions per match as well.

But Medel is not only a defensive-minded midfielder; he also contributes a lot to the offensive side of things.

Last season, Medel averaged over five accurate long balls per game, something he is highly known for. But he is also more than able to keep the ball on the ground with a pass accuracy rating of nearly 88 percent.

To put it simply, Medel is the type of player that many fans would consider an engine.

The Chilean runs the team from the center of the pitch and is able to do all of the dirty work to make sure things are running smoothly. He will immediately become an integral part of Cardiff City’s lineup and will be the reason the club wins some important matches.

The Ability to Shoot from Distance

Medel may be a very good passer of the ball, but that is not the only area he is gifted in offensively. Keepers know to stay alert when Medel has the ball as he is able to fire from just about anywhere.

It is actually quite rare for Medel to score from a shot close to the goal. He prefers to shoot from distance and scores most of his goals that way.

This video is just one instance where Medel has caught a keeper off guard and made him pay.

The Chilean scored six goals last season for Sevilla and was a constant threat when allowed to test the man between he sticks. At Cardiff City, he will bring a new dimension to the attack while also keeping Premier League keepers on their toes all season.

A More-Than-Capable Tackler

If there is one thing that Cardiff City bought Gary Medel for, it is his ability to tackle and win the ball back. Saying that Medel loves to tackle is like saying that PSG loves to spend money. It’s just the honest truth.

Medel has made his name by being one of the hardest tacklers in the world and is not afraid to take someone out. He is often reckless, but he is never afraid.

As I said earlier, he averaged nearly three tackles per game last season but attempted many more than that. He is rarely dribbled around and has become one of the best one-on-one defenders in Spain before leaving Sevilla.

What Cardiff City has gained in Gary Medel is a player who is more than comfortable taking a risk and will never give up on a challenge. But what the Premier League has gained is countless bruised ankles.

Medel has even received the nickname “El Pitbull” because of his harsh challenges—if that tells you anything. The nickname is spot on to be honest.

Experienced Leadership

A newly promoted club like Cardiff City can always use a player who is experienced and knows how to lead. And that is exactly what they will get in Gary Medel.

Though only 26-years-old, Medel has already played in over 50 matches for Chile and many more in Europe while at Sevilla. He has been around for longer than his age suggests and definitely plays like it.

Medel is the type of player who knows what it is like to compete at a high level and instantly makes younger players around him raise the bar.

Cardiff City has signed a midfielder who will not only be able to control the center of the pitch but will lead those around him to be even better.

The Chilean leads by example most of the time, and he has the experience to know what he is doing. He may not be the best player around, but he is wise and knows what he is doing.

An "Entertaining" Personality

Cardiff City fans get ready for bookings—a lot of bookings. And most of them red cards.

For the great footballer that Medel may be, he will also bring an unwanted anger issue. The 26-year-old isn't just called “El Pitbull” for his tackles; he has a mean streak and is known to get several red cards every season.

Medel received seven red cards in his two seasons with Sevilla. That is only one less than the total amount of goals he scored while there.

Last season alone, the Chilean racked up seven yellow cards and three red cards and faced suspension several times. He has an attitude and everyone knows it. He plays with a no-nonsense ideology and it has come back to haunt him at times.

Another issue that comes with his knack for getting booked is that referees look for it.

Last season, Medel was involved in an altercation with Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas. Though Medel did nothing wrong, Fabregas simulated that he had been head-butted and Medel was immediately sent off the pitch.

You can see that video right here.

In closing, Cardiff City has made a very strong purchase. As long as they can keep Medel on the pitch, he will be an immediate upgrade to the squad and can play a pivotal role in the coming season.

But for the Premier League in general, there will be numerous players looking over their shoulders when they have the ball in fear that “El Pitbull” will make his presence known at their expense.

Was Gary Medel a wise purchase for Cardiff City? What will he bring to the club? How many red cards will he be shown this season? Leave your thoughts and comments below!

Tre’ Atkinson. Follow me on Twitter for more discussions on Medel and all Spanish football.

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