Cucho and Parrott give Pellegrini several attacking options

Cucho and Troy Parrott give Manuel Pellegrini several ways to shape Betis’ attack. The two centre-forwards are competing for the central role, but their contrasting profiles broaden the coach’s choices: they also allow him to maintain his rotation policy and vary the team’s attacking approach.

Figures compiled at the start of the season by Olocip and Plexus Sport, whose artificial-intelligence model assesses how players’ actions affect the probability of scoring or conceding, point to two distinct profiles. Across their team’s Liga and Champions League matches, the pair have scored two goals. Parrott scored them in 288 minutes, at a rate of 0.63 per 90 minutes, while Cucho needed 482 minutes, at 0.37 per 90 minutes.

Cucho is more mobile and more involved in building attacks. He can move away from the penalty area to link play and create space for the wingers or midfielders arriving from deeper positions. His involvement is also reflected in his passing connections: 39 passes exchanged with Antony, 18 with Rodrigo Riquelme, 13 with Isco and 11 with Abde. When a defender follows him out of position, he can help open a gap for his teammates to attack.

Parrott provides a different option. Closer to the traditional centre-forward, he occupies the central defenders and focuses much of his attacking contribution on finishing. At 1.85 metres, his physical strength in duels and with his back to goal gives Pellegrini a more recognisable focal point. He can also threaten in transition, attack space and carry the ball to continue moves. Cucho, meanwhile, can finish attacks himself, while Parrott can contribute away from the penalty area.

Those differences change the problems Betis pose to opponents without requiring Pellegrini to overhaul the team’s structure. With Cucho, Betis can add a player to the build-up and create opportunities for runners arriving from behind; with Parrott, they have a more advanced presence in the box. The pair could also combine Cucho’s movement with Parrott’s ability to occupy the defence. More than a straightforward battle for one place, the two forwards give Betis distinct tactical tools.