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Profile

Full nameJohn Anthony Mercado Cuero
PositionDefensive midfielder
NationalityEcuador
Age24
Date of birth3 Jun 2002
BirthplaceGuayaquil
Height186 cm
Shirt number#7
ClubSparta Praha
Defensive midfielderalso played MID
26
Appearances
7
Goals
4
Assists
1791
Minutes

Domestic-league season · Sparta Praha.

Performance data · by competition

CompetitionAppsGAMinMatch
Czech Liga267417916.96
UEFA Europa Conference League8103816.87

Scout report

League standoutDefensive midfielder

J. Mercado is a 24-year-old defensive midfielder at Sparta Praha, enjoying a standout season — 7 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances, a Season grade of 27, top 9% of Czech Liga defensive midfielders. On long-term scout potential he's rated 1.8, ranking 3rd of 327 in the Czech Liga. An emerging talent, he has been a rotation option (58.5% of available minutes). His defensive output reads 1.56 tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90. Below: strengths, watch-points, market-value outlook and the latest transfer news on Mercado.

Judged on this season alone, Mercado graded 27 — an excellent campaign that ranks top 10% of the 54 defensive midfielders in the Czech Liga, on 7 goals, 4 assists and 1.558 defensive actions per 90.

Year-on-year, that's broadly in line with last season (Season 24 → 27). Across the 4 seasons we hold, it's his best return yet.

On long-term talent our Rating reads 2, top 2% of the 54 defensive midfielders in the Czech Liga. At 24 Mercado is in his prime years, and a market index of 0 reflects that trajectory.

From the career report
Read the full career report →

A career still climbing — Mercado is at his peak right now, and the curve hasn't flattened.

Peak: 2025/26Trending upBreakout: 2024/25Stepped up 2024/25
Current potentialTop 2% defensive midfielders · Czech LigaCurrent seasonTop 10% defensive midfielders · Czech Liga5th-best defensive midfielder in the Czech Liga3rd in the Czech Liga · potential1st-highest potential defensive midfielder in the Czech Liga
1.8
Ratingi
1st of 54 defensive midfielders
27
Seasoni
below regular-starter level
58.5%
Minutes
rotation minutes
1.56
Def. actions / 90
light defensive volume

Output in context · Sparta Praha finished 2nd of 6 · a title-challenging side

1.56
Def. / 90
22
Tackles
7
Interceptions
8
Clean sheets

1.56 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90 — light defensive volume, with 8 clean sheets across 26 appearances. Behind a title-challenging side (2nd of 6) the side controls more games, so the defensive load is lighter — the value sits as much in composure and ball progression as in raw volume. Going forward he chipped in 7 goals and 4 assists — a useful bonus from the back.

Strengths

  • Attacking threat. Chips in from deep: 0.55 goal involvements per 90, useful for a defensive midfielder.

Watch points

  • Game time. Only 58.5% of available minutes — needs a settled run to prove the level.
  • Defensive numbers. Modest 1.56 defensive actions per 90 for the position.
  • Level. Rates below a nailed-on top-tier starter on our model.

Outlook

With a Rating of 1.8, Mercado carries the 1st-highest potential of the defensive midfielders in the Czech Liga (top 2%). Defensively he reads as light defensive volume (1.56 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90), with a bit more on the ball than most in the role. Approaching peak years; value is still building (price multiplier 2×) with the best seasons likely ahead.

Generated from Field Insider's rating model · AI-written analysis to follow.

Transfer news

No transfer news found for this player.