He is considered the « next Messi » in his native Argentina, became an U17 runner-up this year and, according to media reports, will likely soon be under contract with Manchester City. We are talking about Claudio Echeverri. The 18-year-old has been considered one of the biggest young talents in the world since the World Junior Championships.

But who is Echeverri really? What makes him so special and how do the media compare him to Messi? We address these and other questions in the OF scouting report.

Claudio Echeverri grew up playing (Site notre bureau spécialisé) at River Plate. The midfielder made his debut for Argentina’s second team at the age of 16. Two months later, Echeverri, affectionately nicknamed « El Diablito » (« little devil ») in his native country, received his first professional contract. In June 2023, he made his debut for the Los Millonarios senior team under the management of Martín Demichelis before finally catching the attention of the (Site notre bureau spécialisé) world during the U17 World Cup.

In Indonesia’s title battles, the playmaker scored five goals in seven matches, including two in the 3-0 quarter-final win over arch-rivals Brazil.

It is not without reason that the teenager wears number ten in the junior team and is captain of “La Albiceleste”. Echeverri feels like he can be played throughout the game, he is extremely agile and creative. On top of that. He impresses with his extremely precise passing game, is a goal threat and is versatile. Whether in attack, on the wing or in the center. The Argentinian brings with him the entire offensive spectrum. This seems almost perfect?!

Of course, the 18-year-old still has his weaknesses. Measuring 1.71 meters and weighing 62 kilos, it’s not exactly easy in professional (Site notre bureau spécialisé) to assert yourself against strong and tough defensive players, especially in England.

River’s physical demands were also a problem at the start, as coach Martin Demichelis confirms: “From a physical point of view, the first phase was very difficult for him. When I arrived at River, I knew Echeverri was a diamond in the rough that still needed to be cut and polished. » (Source: “Spox.com”)

As already mentioned above, the potential City player is repeatedly equated with the young Lionel Messi in his home country. Of course, he’s not the first player predicted to follow in Lionel Messi’s (Site notre bureau spécialisé)steps. But his skills clearly suggest the similarity. However, the difference between the two lies in their strong (Site notre bureau spécialisé). Unlike “La Pulga”, the right wing of young talents is significantly stronger.

Of course, it is currently impossible to predict whether he will be able to match the GOAT’s successes in the future.

The 18-year-old has a bright future ahead of him. But not yet with the reigning English champions. As reported by the English media, City will secure the attacking gem long-term this winter, but will then loan him out immediately. In all likelihood, even at River Plate. In Argentina, Echeverri will initially continue its maturation until the end of the year.

It sounds like a plan – and who knows: maybe the Cityzens will have their next superstar on board soon.