Nicolás Castro - Attacking Mid
- Footie Scout AI
- Dec 4, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2025
Nicolás Castro, 25, is one of those “hidden gem” South American playmakers who blends traditional Argentine creativity with a surprisingly high physical output. Though originally known in Argentina for his silky feet and long-range goals, his time in Europe has forced him to develop a more rounded, high-intensity style — making him far more adaptable to leagues like the SPFL, Belgium, or the Championship.
He’s a chance creator, a ball-carrier, a pressing trigger, and a midfielder who isn’t afraid to shoot from distance. And crucially: he’s comfortable in chaos — a trait many purely technical No.10s lack.
Transfer History
Nicolás Castro’s Career Journey: From 9 de Julio Prodigy to Toluca Playmaker
Nicolás Castro’s footballing story begins in the most traditional of Argentine settings — the dusty pitches of 9 de Julio, where he spent a full decade (2006–2016) learning the fundamentals that would shape him as a creative midfielder. His talent quickly outgrew the local scene, earning him a move to the prestigious academy of Newell’s Old Boys, a club famous for producing elite Argentine technicians, Lional Messi, Gabriel Batistuta and Maxi Rodriguez being some of the notable ones. By 2019, he had broken into Newell’s first team, making 43 appearances and scoring 8 goals, showcasing the long-range shooting and line-breaking passing that would soon draw attention from Europe.
That call came in 2022 when KRC Genk — one of Europe’s best talent-development clubs — secured his signature. In Belgium he made 23 appearances, gaining valuable exposure to a more physical and tactically rigid style of football. Genk saw long-term potential, but Castro needed regular starts, which led to a transformative loan spell at Elche CF in Spain during the 2023–24 season. There, he played 38 matches and scored 5 goals, adapting smoothly to Spanish technical football and proving he could dictate play at a high level.
Elche were convinced and made the move permanent for 2024–25, where Castro continued to grow, adding another 34 appearances and 4 goals. His performances attracted interest abroad once again, and in 2025 he took the next step in his global journey by joining Deportivo Toluca in Mexico’s Liga MX — a league that rewards exactly the kind of blend Castro offers: creativity, work rate, and a willingness to take on defenders.
From 9 de Julio’s grassroots to Newell’s talent factory, from Belgium’s intensity to Spain’s finesse, and now the passion of Mexican football, Castro’s career is the story of a player who keeps evolving with every challenge — and who looks poised to become one of Liga MX’s most intriguing midfield creators.
What kind of player is Nicolás Castro?
Nicolás Castro arrives at Deportivo Toluca as a modern, high-energy creative midfielder — a hybrid between a classic Argentine No.10 and a European-style box-to-box playmaker. He is the kind of player who knits attacks together, breaks lines with both passing and movement, and carries the ball with real purpose. In Liga MX, he profiles as a midfielder who can unlock defences, strike from distance, and contribute to high-intensity phases of play, making him a valuable tool for a team that wants to dominate possession but also counter with speed.
2025 Statistics (Liga MX Apertura)
Matches | Started | Mins Played | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 | 18 | 1,448 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
Nicolás Castro’s 2025 campaign has been the season where promise has begun turning into influence. Across 20 matches, with 18 starts and 1,448 minutes played, the Argentine midfielder has evolved from a flashes-of-brilliance creator into a consistent engine behind his team’s attacking rhythm. His numbers reflect a player who is not only trusted by his manager, but one who is becoming increasingly central to how his side moves the ball, breaks pressure, and creates danger.
With 3 goals and an impressive 7 assists, Castro is contributing directly to his team’s final product while also doing the less glamorous midfield work that keeps attacks flowing. A single yellow card across all those minutes underscores his discipline, while no red cards show he balances his intensity with control. This statistical profile paints the picture of a midfielder who is maturing rapidly — one who influences matches in multiple phases and is finally beginning to deliver the consistency that scouts believed he could reach.
Shooting
Goals | 3 |
|---|---|
Expected goals (xG) | 3.91 |
xG on target (xGOT) | 4.90 |
Non-penalty xG | 3.91 |
Shots | 45 |
Shots on target | 18 |
Nicolás Castro’s 2025 shooting profile at Toluca reads like a highlights reel waiting to happen. He’s bagged 3 goals so far, but the underlying numbers hint that he’s been cooking up far more danger than the scoreboard shows. With an expected-goals total of 3.91 — all from open play — Castro is generating chances at a steady, reliable clip, while his xG on target jumps to an impressive 4.90, proving that when he does catch hold of one, it’s usually struck with venom and accuracy. Across 45 attempts, 18 have forced the goalkeeper into action, giving him a sharp 40% shot-on-target rate.
Put simply: Castro is firing often, hitting cleanly, and the analytics suggest he’s due for a goal surge. Keep watching — the numbers say the net should be bulging more often very soon.
Passing
Assists | 7 |
|---|---|
Expected assists (xA) | 2.61 |
Successful passes | 733 |
Pass accuracy | 88.2% |
Accurate long balls | 61 |
Long ball accuracy | 67.0% |
Chances created | 29 |
Successful crosses | 7 |
Cross accuracy | 36.8% |
Nicolás Castro’s passing numbers in 2025 paint the picture of a creative engine room running on premium fuel. He’s already delivered 7 assists, blowing past his expected-assists total of 2.61 and showing that when Castro threads a pass, teammates tend to feast. With 733 successful passes and an impressive 88.2% accuracy, he’s become Toluca’s metronome — crisp, composed and constantly knitting play together.
His long-range distribution is equally eye-catching: 61 accurate long balls at 67% accuracy, proof that he can flip the field or unlock a defence with one decisive swing of the boot. Add in 29 chances created plus 7 successful crosses at a tidy 36.8% accuracy, and you get a player who isn’t just involved — he’s orchestrating attacks with swagger. Castro isn’t just passing the ball; he’s shaping games.
Possession
Successful dribbles | 25 |
|---|---|
Dribble success | 59.5% |
Touches | 1,119 |
Touches in opposition box | 40 |
Dispossessed | 25 |
Fouls won | 19 |
Penalties awarded | 0 |
Nicolás Castro’s 2025 possession stats show a player who treats the ball like it belongs to him — and he’s not shy about proving it. With 1,119 touches, he’s constantly involved in Toluca’s buildup, linking phases and keeping attacks alive. His 25 successful dribbles at a 59.5% success rate reveal a midfielder who’s confident carrying the ball past opponents, while 40 touches in the opposition box highlight just how often he drives himself into dangerous territory.
Sure, he’s been dispossessed 25 times, but that’s the tax you pay when you’re constantly trying to make something happen. He’s also drawn 19 fouls, showing defenders are often forced into desperation just to slow him down. No penalties won yet, but with the way he carries the ball, that first whistle might not be far away.
Defending
Tackles | 24 |
|---|---|
Duels won | 69 |
Duels won % | 43.9% |
Aerial duels won | 1 |
Aerial duels won % | 20% |
Interceptions | 10 |
Blocked shots | 3 |
Fouls committed | 26 |
Recoveries | 88 |
Possession won final 3rd | 8 |
Dribbled past | 18 |
Nicolás Castro’s defensive output in 2025 is the work of a midfielder who doesn’t just wait for the game to come to him — he hunts it down. He’s tallied 24 tackles and 69 duels won, and while his 43.9% duel success rate shows he’s more volume than velvet, it’s his relentlessness that stands out. On the ground he’s disruptive; in the air… well, with just 1 aerial duel won at 20%, let’s just say he prefers to keep the battles where gravity is on his side.
Castro’s anticipation shines through with 10 interceptions, and he’s not afraid to put his body on the line, registering 3 blocked shots. His defensive work comes with a bit of bite too — 26 fouls committed tell the story of a player who won’t shy away from halting an attack by any means necessary.
Yet the standout number is 88 recoveries, plus 8 possession wins in the final third, proving that he’s not just cleaning up danger but actively turning defence into attack. Sure, he’s been dribbled past 18 times, but that’s part and parcel of being everywhere at once. Castro defends with energy, edge, and endless willingness — the kind of chaos engine every midfield needs.
What do Toluca fans think of him?
What fans like about him
Many consider Castro to be one of Toluca’s best signings of the season. For example, after a match a fan wrote on Facebook: “No le busquen más, la mejor contratación del apertura 2025 es Nicolás Castro” (“Don’t look any further — the best signing of Apertura 2025 is Nicolás Castro”).
Others have celebrated how he’s silenced critics: “Para todos los que criticaban a Nico Castro… creo que está de más decir que ya les cayó la boca.” (“To all those who criticized Nico Castro… I think it goes without saying — they’ve been proven wrong.”)
Many fans laud his contributions in offence and creativity, praising not just his goals or assists but his overall influence on games — how he links play, drives the team forward, and gives Toluca another dimension offensively. This seems especially common among supporters excited about his arrival.
Some caveats / mixed feelings
Though praise is widespread, there is a hint of tempered expectation. Some phrase like “nuevo ADN del Toluca” and “Castro no habla, domina” — meaning they see him as a fundamental piece of the new Toluca identity — suggesting that fans expect not just flashes, but consistency and impact.
Because part of the fanbase’s affection seems tied to potential or future promise (after all, he’s a recent signing), there might still be latent nerves — especially from those who remember previous signings that didn’t deliver. These fans seem optimistic but watchful.
Overall vibe: excitement + optimism
In short: many Toluca fans see Nicolás Castro as a breath of fresh air — a dynamic, creative, and decisive player who brings excitement to the squad. They appreciate both his tangible outputs (goals, assists, passes) and intangible qualities (presence, energy, promise). While there’s some natural caution — given he’s still relatively new — the mood is overwhelmingly supportive.
Why Should Clubs Be Interested in signing Nicolás Castro?
Clubs should take a serious look at Nicolás Castro because he offers the rare blend of creativity, work rate, and productivity that translates well across leagues and systems.
His 2025 numbers show a midfielder who impacts every phase of play: 7 assists from 2.61 xA underline a player who consistently creates above expectation, while 29 chances created and high long-ball and crossing accuracy show he can unlock compact defences. Add in 3 goals from 45 shots and strong underlying shooting metrics like 4.90 xGOT, and you get someone who isn’t just trying things — he’s generating high-quality chances.
But Castro isn’t a luxury playmaker. His 88 recoveries, 8 high-press wins, and willingness to tackle, intercept, and foul when needed show he contributes defensively and thrives in high-tempo systems. He’s constantly on the ball (1,119 touches), progresses play, resists pressure with nearly 60% dribble success, and drags teams up the pitch.
Most importantly, he’s outperforming expectations — a sign of a player whose decision-making and technique elevate those around him. Whether you’re a possession club seeking a creative hub or a pressing side needing a busy, front-foot midfielder, Castro brings value, versatility, and upside. He’s the kind of signing that raises a team’s ceiling.
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