Luis Advincula was once again one of the characters of Boca juniors in the Copa Libertadores 2023. The Peruvian team player scored in Team Xeneize’s 2-2 draw with Nacional of Uruguay and provided an assist that was crucial in forcing a penalty shoot-out and subsequent quarter-final qualification. That goal made “Rayo” Boca the top scorer in this edition of the Libertadores. However, what drew even more attention was the fact that Advíncula scored again with his left foot.
As is known since its inception, Luis Advíncula is a right-footed player and has always played on the right wing since converting to full-back. This detail has led to jokes in Argentina that he is “the most left-handed right-back in the world” and much is said about the Peruvian footballer’s curiosity. Building on this, we explain with a brief analysis why it is no coincidence that Advíncula has so many goals from the left.
Luis Advíncula has scored four goals since arriving at Boca Juniors: one with a header and three with his left foot. Photo: EFE
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Why does Luis Advíncula score so many goals with his left foot?
First of all, it must be clarified that this analysis is subjective and based on observations of Luis Advíncula’s play since he played for Sporting Cristal and Juan Aurich. The ‘boom’ of Advíncula’s left-footed goals only began in this Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors. By that we mean a question of frequency, as the Peruvian had already scored three goals from outside left-footed shots before arriving in Argentina.
However, these three targets fell in different years (with Lobos BUAP in 2017 and then with Rayo Vallecano in 2020 and 2021). The other three goals Advíncula scored with his left foot, apart from those before his arrival in Boca, came from inside the penalty area and more to place the ball from close range. Having clarified this data, it is appropriate to explain the “phenomenon” in two aspects: game characteristics and positional changes.
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Luis Advíncula’s position changes, as does the use of his left leg
Luis Advíncula started at Sporting Cristal as a forward and was also a wing-midfielder when he made his Juan Aurich debut in 2009. His best season came in 2010, in which he scored six goals. Of these, two came from the left and both within the area. In the following years, Advíncula scored five more goals with Cristal, but none with his left foot.
Once he started playing on the wing, one trait in the Peruvian footballer’s playing style became apparent: the inward drive. Although his overflow speed has always been one of his greatest virtues, Advíncula doesn’t always hit the ground to cross with his right, but also has the opportunity to make another touch and position the ball to shoot from the left .
His habit of hooking and profiling inside doesn’t just serve offensive functions. In his own half or when the ball is held close to the line, Advíncula tends to protect the ball, drawing it back and releasing it in the middle with his left hand. Other full-backs tend to give more priority to vertical play, but “Rayo” has that extra resource to excel both outwards and inwards. This quality speaks for the fact that he now acts as a midfielder in Boca.
Since Advíncula performs more offensive functions, he needs to finish off stronger in attack than when playing on the wing. This increases his chances of scoring with his left side as he is profiled for that leg on plays from the right. And thanks to the above, he has no problem landing quickly from this position without having to accommodate his dexterous leg. His goal against Nacional is a copy of what is explained in this paragraph.