Richard Rios Stats Spotlight: Palmeiras Midfielder on the Rise

Richard Rios stats tell the story of a Colombian-Brazilian midfielder who has quickly evolved from futsal prodigy to one of Palmeiras’ most trusted engines. Below we dive deep into his numbers, tactical influence, and what the data suggests about his future.

Richard Rios stats in context: Why the numbers matter

Rios’ journey is unusual. Born in Antioquia, Colombia, he first lit up local futsal courts before crossing borders to join Brazilian giants Palmeiras in 2022. Since then, Richard Rios stats across all competitions reveal a player adapting at lightning speed. In the 2023 Série A campaign, he logged 28 league appearances, completing 88 % of his passes and averaging 1.9 key passes per 90 minutes—figures that rank him in the club’s top three midfielders for ball progression.

Season-by-season breakdown

• 2021 (Flamengo loan): 11 matches, primarily as a late-game shuttler. Pass accuracy: 84 %. Tackles per 90: 2.3.
• 2022 (Guarani): Established as starter, 34 Serie B games, 2 goals, 5 assists. Interceptions: 46 total.
• 2023 (Palmeiras debut year): 39 appearances across league, Libertadores and domestic cups; 4 goals, 6 assists, pass completion bumps to 88 %.
• 2024 (ongoing): Already 17 appearances by mid-season, with a career-best 0.22 xG per 90 pointing to a more attack-minded brief under Abel Ferreira.

How Richard Rios profile shapes Palmeiras’ midfield

Coach Ferreira rotates between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, and Richard Rios stats underline his flexibility. He often starts as a right central midfielder but drifts into half-spaces to overload flanks. Tracking data from Wyscout shows he covers an average 11.4 km per match—elite output for a 24-year-old still acclimatising to top-tier intensity.

Passing and ball progression

Rios favours vertical passes; 35 % of his completed balls travel at least 15 metres forward, well above the league average of 24 %. He also ranks in the 82nd percentile for progressive carries among Série A midfielders, which supports the eye test: he glides past markers with a futsal-honed close control.

Defensive contribution

Despite his creative leanings, Rios posts solid defensive metrics. He averages 2.6 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per 90. His 58 % duel success rate illustrates a player who times his engagements rather than diving in recklessly.

International prospects for Richard Rios

Palmeiras’ consistent platform has placed the midfielder on Colombia’s radar. In March 2024 he earned his first senior call-up and debuted in a friendly against Romania, completing 92 % of 39 passes while winning three ground duels. Richard Rios stats at youth level were modest, but his senior-team cameo hinted at a natural fit for Néstor Lorenzo’s possession-oriented system.

Compatibility with Colombia’s setup

The Cafeteros often employ a double pivot behind James Rodríguez. Rios can operate either as the deeper circulator or as the more adventurous half of the pair. His ability to break lines aligns with Lorenzo’s preference to spring Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias down the wings.

Comparing Richard Rios stats with league peers

To gauge his trajectory, it helps to benchmark him against three standout Série A midfielders: André (Fluminense), Raphael Veiga (team-mate, but often more advanced) and Danilo Barbosa (Botafogo).

Metric	Rios	André	Veiga	Danilo
Pass accuracy	88 %	92 %	86 %	82 %
Key passes/90	1.9	1.4	2.5	1.2
Tackles/90	2.6	3.1	1.2	3.4
Progressive carries/90	2.7	2.1	1.8	2.0

The takeaway? Rios sits in a sweet spot between André’s metronomic style and Veiga’s attacking thrust, offering Palmeiras balance on both sides of the ball.

The tactical future: where can his game still grow?

Even with impressive Richard Rios stats, there remain clear avenues for growth:

1. Final-third efficiency: His shot selection sometimes drifts toward speculative. Reducing long-range attempts could convert his xG into actual goals.
2. Aerial duels: At 1.77 m he is not dominant in the air, winning just 40 % of headers. A specialised gym programme could add spring and core strength.
3. Leadership: As veterans like Gustavo Gómez age, Palmeiras need new voices. Rios is reportedly a training-ground communicator; translating that to match-day could accelerate his captaincy potential.

Data-driven scouting: European interest

Clubs in Portugal, Spain and even Serie A reportedly monitor him. Palmeiras inserted a €60 m release clause when they extended his contract to 2027. Why the buzz? Because Richard Rios stats mirror profiles that succeeded in Europe—think Bruno Guimarães when he left Athletico-PR or Matheus Nunes’ leap from Sporting to Wolverhampton.

Suitability for different leagues

La Liga’s technical rhythm suits his ball retention, while Serie A’s tactical rigour would demand positional discipline—a challenge he seems open to. For now, Palmeiras and the Copa Libertadores remain his immediate objectives.

Fan perspective: what the supporters say

Palmeirenses are vocal on social media, praising his “futsal flair” and the ease with which he beats the first press. Detractors question his end product, yet even critics concede his upside is massive. Match-day chants now often include his name alongside established icons like Endrick and Veiga.

Conclusion

Richard Rios stats underline a balanced midfielder already punching above his age curve. His blend of progressive passing, defensive grit and futsal-influenced dribbling offers Palmeiras—and potentially Colombia—a rare dual-threat engine. If he irons out decision-making in the final third, the next statistical leap could come sooner than many expect.

Opinion

In my view, Rios exemplifies modern South American development pathways: early futsal foundations merged with rigorous tactical schooling. Expect European scouts to intensify their gaze once Libertadores knockout rounds begin. Should he sustain his current efficiency, a trans-Atlantic move feels inevitable by 2025.