Argentina has never failed to produce quality players who have ruled Europe and the world with their mesmerising football. The country bleeds football and children at their very tender age finds life in this beautiful game of football. There has never been any dearth of talent, and the country boasts an impressive pedigree of producing some of the best footballers ever.
From the land of one of the very best, Diego Maradona, several other footballers have successfully stamped their authority across the football world over the years. The likes of Domingo Tarasconi, Hernan Crespo, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and even Lionel Messi have made their name, and they all have a thing in common. They were recognised at Under-23 set up and went on to prove their worth.
Currently, the Albicelestes might be struggling to get through the FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 qualification process, but as far as the future is concerned, they still have talents aplenty who can take Argentina to glory in the coming years. While some have already represented at the U-23 level, few exceptional ones have taken European football by storm.
Here are five such talents football fans will have an eye on shortly:
#1 Ezequiel Barco
The first on the list is an attacking midfielder who can also play as a forward at times. Born on 23rd March 1999 this 17-year old, Ezequiel Barco, is one for the future. Coached by Gabriel Milito, 42 international caps for The Albicelistes, he is highly regarded at Primera Division side Club Atletico Independiente. He is a youth product of Independiente and made his debut on 2nd of August, 2016. He scored his first goal of his career against Godoy Cruz and is expected to go a long way.
According to his coach, the prodigy is highly skilful and is capable enough to break through the defence from the midfield. The right-footed attacker has a natural eye for goal and scores a plenty of them at a very young age. He has now established himself as a regular in the team under Gabriel Milito and gets good enough playing time to shape his career well.
#2 Maximiliano Romero
Maximiliano Romero is another 17-year-old talented forward that makes it to the list. He plays for Primera Division side Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield. In his short career, he has established himself as one of the most versatile players for his coach Christian Bassedas. A false 9 and a prolific scorer, he is often deployed at wider positions due to his sheer ability to drive through the defence. Blessed with good positional sense and an excellent right foot he works extremely hard for the team.
He idolises Maradona and wants to be a lethal striker like Falcao. Just a year ago, he was on his way to Arsenal with a big money offer and was very excited about the prospect.
He said: “I want to try to do what Falcao does in the box, the aggression he has in the box no-one else has.”
“I’m very interested in this proposal they have made to me but right now I’m concentrating on Velez.”
However, he tore his ACL and negotiations broke down. He recently made a comeback and given his potential; he might just well be in the line to be Argentina’s future star.
#3 Giovanni Simeone
Thanks to his father, current Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, Giovanni Simeone is not difficult to get noticed. However, the player has made a name for himself solely by his performance and is a future Argentina star. Inheriting the nickname ‘Cholito’, little Cholo, he is a skilled dribbler and plays as a striker. The 21-year old has got the qualities to make it big in international stage considering the impressive start to his career.
Moving to Genoa from River Plate this summer, he has already managed to establish himself in Europe and has found the net twice for the Italian outfit. In his full debut for Genoa, he scored a superb goal to announce himself as a potent striker. He may not be an immediate inclusion in the Argentina frontline which comprises the likes of Higuain, Aguero and others, but will certainly make it to the squad shortly.
#4 Angel Correa
Born on March 9, 1995, he grew up witnessing drugs and crimes in one of the most deprived areas of Rosario. The sheer passion for success got him playing at the top level, and he moved to Atletico Madrid in 2014. The striker then battled through a heart tumour surgery and came back strongly to help Argentina win the South American youth championship.
It didn’t take time for everyone to realise that this guy is a serious talent and is one of the fast emerging stars for Argentina. At just 21, he is an important part of Diego Simeone’s Atletico plans. Even Barcelona had an offer for him in the transfer window, but Atletico managed to hold on to him and later he went on to score against the Catalans on 21st Sep, 2016. Writer Jorge Satorre perfectly sums it up for the youngster:
“The Rosarino has a low centre of gravity, which makes him a very difficult player to defend against. He also possesses excellent technique, speed and something very important to any good attacking player: a great first touch.”
“However, his key attribute that sometimes goes under the radar is his mental strength. The difficult issues Correa has faced throughout his life have turned him into someone who never gives up. His work rate and unceasing tenacity are clear.”
#5 Paulo Dybala
If there is anyone who doesn’t need an introduction, then it is none other than this boy. Not only that, if there is anyone who can carry on the mantle post-Messi, it will be Paulo Dybala for Argentina. He seems destined to achieve greatness and has already established himself as one of the very best in the world, with all big teams trying to get the 23-year-old’s service.
Although he turned it down, the fact that he was handed the No. 10 shirt in Juventus following Pogba’s departure this summer, speaks volume of his capabilities and the expectations everybody has on this young shoulder. His sublime left foot can break any defence and is a treat to watch for the fans.
He is already being compared to the likes of Maradona and Messi, and ex-stars don’t hesitate to heap praise on him. Messi himself said, “Paulo is a great player with a big future. I’m sure he will give people a lot to talk about in the coming years.”
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