Mateo Peralta

Mateo Peralta: Danubio’s Creative Heart and Uruguay’s Emerging No.10

Who said that the number 10 function is on the brink of extinction? At just 19 years old, Mateo Gabriel Peralta Píriz is already establishing himself as one of Uruguay’s most intriguing attacking midfield talents. Wearing the number 10 shirt for Danubio FC, the Montevideo-born playmaker combines technical elegance, tactical intelligence, and a dynamic playing style that has attracted attention both domestically and internationally.

Uruguayan Roots and Footballing Identity

Born on April 8, 2006, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Peralta grew up in one of South America’s most football-rich environments, where creativity and rhythm of play are cultural hallmarks. Standing at 1.74 m and playing primarily as an attacking midfielder, but also as center midfielder on many occasions, he anchors his game on a blend of quick decision-making and technique.

Having developed through the youth ranks — including time at Club Nacional’s academy before joining Danubio — Peralta made his way into the Danubio first team in 2024, a milestone that marked the beginning of his professional ascent.

As a classic number 10, Peralta’s game revolves around dictating tempo, unlocking defences with precise passes, and orchestrating attacks from central spaces. Observers often note his speed of thought on the ball — a trait that allows him to influence matches beyond mere possession.

He isn’t just a creator; he’s a connector — quick to link with teammates, able to shift play instantly, and capable of combining short, incisive passes with forward momentum. This dynamic style has made him a regular starter for Danubio and led to consistent appearances in Uruguay’s U-20 national team setup.

A Memorable Moment and Learning Experience

Peralta has spoken openly about some of his most eye-opening moments on the pitch. In one appearance for Danubio in a Copa Libertadores fixture against Athletico Paranaense, he was tasked with marking veteran Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho — a player he used to emulate while playing video games. Reflecting on the experience, Peralta said:

“It was incredible. Before I went on, the coach grabbed my head and said, ‘Play like you know how to play, like you did in the neighbourhood, and don’t do more than necessary.’ I went in with a lot of confidence after that.”

This quote highlights not only his humility but also the confidence his coaches place in him — encouraging him to trust his instincts even in high-pressure environments. Since becoming a professional, Peralta has been steadily growing in responsibility at Danubio and on his national team.

Has over 60 senior appearances among Uruguayan Primera División and Copa Sudamericana competitions, contributing with three goals and three assists. At international level, has at least ten appearances for Uruguay U20, including in CONMEBOL South American qualifiers.

Strengths and On-Field Persona

Strengths

• Technique and passing: Peralta has a refined touch, passing, and dribbling with precision. In terms of passing, he has a great ability to pick out teammates even in tight spaces. Acting as an offensive pivot, likes to receive in central areas and pass vertically.

• Tempo and game management: He possesses an innate sense of when to speed up play or slow it down — a critical quality for any classical playmaker. We see him asking for the ball frequently - likes to dictate the tempo.

• Pace: Although small in height (1,74m), Peralta's velocity and work rate must be underlined.

Weaknesses

• Physical robustness: Building strength and endurance will help him handle more aggressive defenders and congested midfield battles. He rarely finishes the 90 minutes.

• Goal contributions: Although amassing many minutes at first team level, Peralta has a low goal contribution rate.

Interest From Abroad and Future Outlook

Peralta’s displays have not gone unnoticed beyond Uruguay. Reports from South American outlets note that Brazilian clubs such as Internacional and Cruzeiro, as well as European scouts, have shown interest in the young midfielder — though Danubio prefers permanent transfers over loan deals, as per reports in Uruguay media.

This growing attention speaks to his potential to eventually move to a more competitive league, where his creative skill set could flourish under different tactical pressures and against higher-calibre opposition. Mateo Peralta represents a fascinating blend of Uruguayan football heritage and modern midfield artistry.

With a solid foundation at Danubio, international exposure with Uruguay’s youth teams, and clear developmental trajectory, he embodies the kind of central creative midfielder who can shape games and become indispensable to his team.

As he continues to refine his craft — both physically and tactically — the number 10 from Montevideo could well become one of South America’s next midfield maestros.