Guillermo Maripan

Guillermo Maripan is a Chilean footballer, born on 6th May 1994 in Vitacura, Chile. Maripan is a centre-back by trade who can play on both sides. Although Maripan is versatile, he prefers his right foot while playing.

Maripan currently plays in the Spanish La Liga for Deportivo Alaves.

Background

Being born in Vitacura, Maripan joined the youth academy of Universidad Catolica de Chile at a very young age. He spent almost the entirety of his career at the club.

From his youth days, Maripan stood out for his physique and defensive abilities. He played for the Chilean club at various youth levels and finally made his debut for the Chilean club in 2012.

Maripan struggled initially to establish himself in the Universidad line up. He made only 18 appearances across all competitions in his first three seasons as a senior professional at the club.

Debut

After a string of impressive performances for Universidad Catolica de Chile, Maripan was called up for national duty in January 2017 during the China Cup.

Maripan made his international debut against Croatia in a 2-1 victory in extra time. He played in the following game against Iceland as Chile won the small tournament.

Maripan was called up for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Brazil and Ecuador but did not make the starting eleven.

He played in international friendlies against Burkina Faso, Sweden and Denmark.

Rise to Glory

Maripan’s rise in stature arrived in 2015-16 season after having won the 2014-15 Clausura with limited appearances.

He became a key unit in the back four of the Chilean club. He made 33 appearances in the 2015-16 season and followed it up with 32 appearances in the next. His performances helped his club win the 2015-16 Apertura.

Maripan moved to Spanish club Alaves in the summer of 2017. Since his move, he has been a key component for the Spanish team.

He has played in 18 matches for Alaves which included playing the full 90 minutes in important games against Barcelona, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

In the current season, he has helped the Alaves defence keep five clean sheets. As a result, Alaves sit currently on 16th, ten points away from the relegation zone and almost secure from the drop.

Low Points

After spending his entire youth career at Universidad Catolica de Chile, Maripan found the transition to the senior level tough. He failed to cement a spot in the starting eleven for the first three seasons.

Club Career

Maripan spent his entire youth footballing days at Chilean club Universidad Catolica de Chile. He made his debut for the senior side in 2012. After spending five seasons at the club, he moved to Europe when he joined Deportivo Alaves for €1.07 million. He joined Alaves on a four-year contract.