Once similar to Ronaldo because of his physique and ball style, Ocampos was called "Argentine little Ronaldo" by the media at the age of 18. After 10 years of running from Ligue 1, Serie A and La Liga to the Eredivisie and the Champions League, Ocampos has not reached the heights he once expected.
When he came off the bench and contributed 45 minutes to become Sevilla's top contributor to PSV Eindhoven's 3-0 victory in the Europa League, will the 28-year-old still have a chance to partner Lionel Messi in the future Argentina national team?
01. Became famous in Argentina at the age of 17: the four seas finally kicked out of the world
a. Debuted in River Plate, Argentina at the age of 17: but failed to succeed in Monaco
Born on July 11, 1994, Lucas Ocampos made his professional debut for Argentine giants River Plate.
A few days after his 17th birthday, he scored his maiden goal and delivered a seven-goal report card in 38 games in his first season. At 1.87 meters tall, he was hailed as Argentina's little Ronaldo by local media.
In the summer of 18, the famous "tinkerer" Ranieri fell in love with the Argentine genius and brought him to Monaco under the control of the gold owner for 16 million euros.
From the age of 18 to 20, scoring 15 goals in 96 appearances (1 year in Ligue B, 1 and a half years in Ligue 1), Ocampos has grown below expectations but is still qualified.
In the 2015 winter window, Ocampos switched to Marseille and scored on his debut. However, in the following year and a half, he played in the third tier of Ligue 1, Europa League and French Cup, scoring a total of 6 goals, which made him still tepid.
In the 2016-17 season, the 22-year-old chose to break into Serie A, playing for Genoa in the first half, breaking through Udinese, Lazio and Crotone in succession, which won him praise.
However, in the second half of the season, AC Milan was loaned, but only handed over a report card of 0 goals and 1 assist, and once again ignored everyone.
b. Outbreak after the return of Serie A: reaching new heights in Sevilla
Fortunately, after returning from Serie A, Ocampos ushered in a small outbreak. Returning to Marseille, he handed over a report card of 18 goals and 11 assists in the next two seasons of Ligue 1 and Europa League, gradually attracting the attention of more teams.
To know his position on the pitch, he has become a full-back, a result that has not come easily. In the summer of 2019, Ocampos moved to Sevilla FC and ushered in a new outbreak.
In his first La Liga season, he contributed 14 goals and 3 assists in the league alone, and at one point scored five consecutive La Liga games, equalling Negredo's team record.
As an attacker, averaging 4.13 steals per game, his name began to be associated with the Argentine national team.
In February before La Liga was suspended due to the epidemic that year, Ocampos was selected as the league's best 3 man of the month along with Messi and Isaac.
Although it was Messi who was finally elected, the "copycat version of Ronaldo" has gradually become a good player who can stand alone.
02. National team debut goal: Missed the World Cup because of the wrong choice
a. The national team scored on his debut
Ocampos also had a spectacular start with the Argentine national team, and he is one of the 23 Argentine players in history who can score on his debut.
Although he unfortunately lost the 2021 Copa America squad, he once got the starting main position in the 2022 World Cup South American qualifiers.
The away trip to Ecuador was precisely when Ocampos received a wonderful pass from Messi and went into the box to create a penalty to let the team conquer the Devil's home stadium.
There was a tidbit that after the referee gave the penalty, Ocampos asked Messi: "Do you play?" "Messi decided to take the penalty himself and did not cede the penalty to Ocampos, who had his eyes full of expectation.
b. Going to Ajax ruined his World Cup dreams
If Ocampos is given another chance, I am afraid he will not choose to go to Ajax on loan last summer window.
The amount of 4 million euros loan fee + 16 million euros buyout clause impressed Sevilla, but after the transfer agreement was reached, the Eredivisie giants said that they did not get the approval of the board of directors and requested a return, which was directly rejected by Sevilla.
Because of the conflict between the decision-making levels within Ajax, Ocampos has played only 114 minutes without injury in the past six months.
It turned out that he had a good chance of getting a substitute spot for the Argentine national team, but because he was on the bench, he ended up missing the World Cup squad.
Among the missing players, aside from the injured Lo Celso, Ocampos is the Argentine fringe international who has played the most minutes under Scaloni.
03. Passing in the Europa League: Can the 28-year-old still be teammates with Messi?
a. Back to Sevilla: Europa League half-time pass
Ocampos was given the opportunity to return at the request of Sevilla manager Sampaoli, for which his old club also waived Ajax's 1 million euros loan fee (3 million euros in half the season).
In the Europa League knockout play-offs against PSV Eindhoven, Ocampos, who came off the bench after half-time, contributed one goal and one assist, while winning seven of 10 one-on-one ground matches, becoming the team's number one winner.
This goal was so brilliant that Ocampos, who had only played 2 minutes, received a cross from teammate Ennesri, took the ball and turned directly into the dead corner, and the ball smashed on the upright and drilled into the bottom of the net.
"This goal will be remembered for a long, long time, and at this moment my emotions are mixed: there is some anger, and at the same time happiness and pain are intertwined."
Just 5 minutes later, Ocampos performed another masterpiece. He received the ball from his teammate over the top and received it behind his back in the box before completing a brilliant heel pass.
Goodley who followed up with a blast sealed a 3-0 victory. Ocampos scored in five minutes, and both goals were staged with great difficulty.
As a winger for the team, Ocampos also has a lot to contribute in the push and defense.
This time he passed the ball and made a wonderful pass to Lamela, but the latter's shot was deflected.
b. Desire to prove himself: The defensive end can better understand his hard work
Not only is the offensive end dazzling, but Ocampos, who only played half on the defensive end, also handed over a report card of 3 steals and 1 interception.
Just one steal less than Argentina's teammate Acuña, his positivity is remembered by every fan who watches the game.
This time teammate Fernando made a mistake with the ball and the opponent was given a chance to counterattack. Ocampos quickly retracted from the wing and used his speed advantage to catch up with Xavi Simmons from behind to complete the break.
Ocampos had a lot of coverage in the game, frequently switching positions on the left and right wings. This time in the retreat, he went directly to the outside defense of the full-back.
Taking advantage of the leg length, he intercepted the opponent's long pass, which was impressive.
This year's Europa League knockout round will feature 12 Argentine players. Ocampos has played even better than Di Maria, not only being the first among Argentine players, but even competing for the best Europa League in this round (probably not as good as Marcus Rashford).
Conclusion:
With good running ability, counter-strength to handle the ball with his back, can go up and down on the wing and impact the box, the 28-year-old Ocampos is still likely to return to the Argentine national team in the future.
Perhaps the 2026 World Cup is a bit long past for him, and he may not be able to occupy a place at the age of 32. However, the 2024 America's Cup may be a gift for his 30th birthday, and he will also do his best for this goal.