Máximo Perrone, the metronome

Máximo Perrone, the Larian metronome

There is a compass that keeps Como 1907 ticking like a Swiss watch: Máximo Perrone. The Argentine midfielder, who arrived last summer on loan from Manchester City, is redefining the midfield dynamics laid out by Cesc Fàbregas.

In the 1–0 win against Torino on Sunday 13 April, Perrone completed 58 out of 60 passes, achieving an astonishing 97% accuracy.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t play with statistics in mind,” Máximo said. “I think a lot of what I do comes from instinct. I enjoy playing based on what I’m feeling and how the game is flowing. That said, there are definitely situations where you have to rely on reasoning—there are areas of the pitch where following pure instinct can be risky, and you need to be more cautious. But overall, I’d say instinct plays the biggest role.”

That afternoon, no player had more touches or covered more distance (11.5 km) than the 22-year-old Perrone. In the 37th minute, it was his through ball to Diao that launched the move finished off by Vojvoda and Douvikas for the winning goal. Vertical passes like that are a regular feature of Perrone’s game, something he consistently works on in training.

“I work on that side of the game quite a bit with one of the staff members who specialises in individual training. We spend a lot of time watching videos of different situations, and that helps me a lot. We focus especially on perception—being aware of what’s happening around you before receiving the ball. Then with the coach, well, in the system we play and the way we approach the game, when you get the ball you usually have three or four passing options. That obviously makes things much easier.” explains Perrone.

Over the course of the season, the Argentinian has continued to impress: 935 passes completed out of 1,029 attempted (90.9%) – the fourth-highest among Serie A midfielders. But it’s not just about possession; his forward passing has created 22 shooting chances and produced two assists. And at just 22 years old, he’s not afraid to take control of such a crucial area of the pitch.

“I don’t feel pressure. It’s a role I’ve played for a long time, and one where I feel completely comfortable,” he explains.

In the recent match away to Monza, Perrone came off the bench and set a record not seen since the days of Manchester City legend Yaya Touré: more than 50 completed passes and at least three chances created in under 30 minutes. Moments like these show how easily he can change the course of a match through his vision and passing alone.

“The secret is having top-quality players around me. When you’re playing with great teammates, everything feels more natural.”

And his defensive contribution is just as solid: 71% of tackles won (23 out of 32), along with 167 ball recoveries—averaging eight per ninety minutes.

“I think the most difficult part of a match—or at least one of them—is when the momentum shifts. As a team, I believe we’re improving, but we still need to keep growing in that area. What’s important in those moments is trying to slow the game down, both defensively and when we recover the ball. The goal is to stop the opponent from building momentum and then work to regain control of the match ourselves.”

In the 4-2-3-1 system,  which can shift into a 4-3-3 when needed, designed by Fàbregas, Perrone provides the balance that allows four attacking players to be used without losing shape. He covers ground, distributes the ball, recovers possession, and keeps the rhythm of play. The future of Como’s midfield looks promising, with Máximo Perrone playing an increasingly important role.