Justin Lerma
Country: Ecuador
Date of birth: 05/05/2008 (15 years old)
Place of birth: Ecuador
Height: —
Youth career: Independiente del Valle
Current club: Independiente del Valle
Squad number: —
Current national team: —
Position: central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: —
Contract until: unknown
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Renato Sanches
Strengths:
– pace 
– passing
– vision
– technique
– ball control
– creativity
– dribbling
– versatility
– first touch 
– football IQ
– agility
– bravery
– work rate
To improve:
– needs to work hard on his physical development/strength
– quite prolific but his mid/long-range shooting skills and composure in front of goal are still improvable
– operating with his weaker left foot although he’s able to pass and dribble quite comfortably with it
Style of play:
– advanced playmaker
– creative player with great technique on the ball, mobility, acceleration skills, fast direction shifts, short-dribbling, and good short-mid through passing ability
– skillful and versatile player, who can play multiple positions with ease and effectiveness
– excellent pace at all distances
– a very interesting mix of a progressive carrier and passer
– constantly on the move looking for space and always tries to find a vertical option in his game
– dynamic and creative at his off-the-ball movements, often roams from position and likes to find the best space to receive the ball with good timings
– likes to make attacking runs, especially through left wing/half-spaces
– has the technique, ability, and confidence to execute the killer pass and set-up goalscoring opportunities for his teammates
– spectacular player, who likes to have the ball at his feet and is able to make the difference at any time thanks to his dribbling skills and creativity
– his energy and work rate enable him to cover a lot of ground, press opponents, and start attacks after winning back possession
– able to produce powerful and dangerous runs up field on the counterattack
– excellent close control and footwork in tight spaces
– able to dribble, pass, and make quick combinations at top speed
– even though his defensive reliability is still very much improvable, he’s combative and tenacious in the defensive phase/pressing
Lerma provides a pre-assist with a superb through ball.
Lerma dribbles past his opponent with ease and creates a big chance with a superb through ball.
After an amazing 40 meter run, Lerma provides a superb pass to his teammate, who gets fouled and wins a penalty.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Central midfielder in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary (as for 20 December 2023):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Justin Lerma emerges from the distinguished Independiente del Valle Academy, renowned as one of South America’s premier youth development systems. This institution has consistently nurtured exceptional talents in recent years, including luminaries such as Kendry Páez, Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Gonzalo Plata, William Pacho, Jackson Porozo, Pedro Vite, Marco Angulo, Joel Ordóñez, and Moisés Ramírez. Within this esteemed group, Justin stands out as one of the most promising players of his generation in South America. It is only a matter of time before he graces the professional stage with El Matagigantes, as his debut is anticipated sooner rather than later.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
9/10 
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links: