Nicolas Uriarte – a former outstanding player of the Polish league and current playmaker of Sada Cruzeiro

During the 2017 Club World Championship, Argentine setter Nicolas Uriarte will face one of the most serious missions in his career. His task is to lead Sada Cruzeiro to defend their title.

The 27-year-old player joined the Brazilian club just few months ago, during the summer transfer window. He came to Sada Cruzeiro as a well-known volleyball player for Polish fans. He was a playmaker of PGE Skra Bełchatów for four years, claiming four medals at the national championships - among them a 2014 gold - and winning the Polish Cup in 2016.

- My stay in Bełchatów was extremely important for my volleyball development. I made a huge progress. We were always among top teams, fighting for the highest goals in the league which attracted huge attention. I’ve followed Sada's  latest achievements and I like their winning mentality - said Uriarte in interview for volleymob.com

When he played in Bełchatów, one of his "trademarks" was the excellent cooperation with his compatriot, an outside hitter Facundo Conte. They are both sons of former great Argentine volleyball players.

- Nicolas is totally different from his father Jon. He is a very calm person, experiencing everything inside himself, while his father was much more emotional - explained Julio Velasco, head coach of Argentina.

Although he was a prominent figure of PlusLiga, he had problems to get a place in the starting line-up in his national team. All because of his excellent rival - Luciano De Cecco, who is considered as one of the best in the world on this position.

- He is a really good setter. For two years he performed so well, that there was nothing I could do - said Uriarte in 2013 in interview for WP Sportowe Fakty.

Three years later, at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, De Cecco was number one. Former player of PGE Skra Bełchatów was not even selected to national team for the biggest sport event.

- Nicolas informed that he won't  be playing in the national team in 2016. It's his decision - said Velasco during the World League event in Łódź.

Regardless of the mysterious disappearance of Uriarte from the national team, it is certain that PlusLiga suffered a loss with his departure to Brazil. His actions brought a lot of colours to the Polish league, especially that his style of play is pleasing to the eye. Soon, for a few days, he will again show his great skills on the Polish soil. Maybe, he will even get a chance to play against PGE Skra. However, to make it happen, both PGE Skra and Sada Cruzeiro have to advance to the medal zone.