After being canceled in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the South American Under-20 Championship returns on Thursday with Colombia‘s Bogotá and Cali act as host cities. Originating in 1995, this tournament actually opens the international football schedule, and is also the qualifying round for this year’s World Men’s U20 Finals, which will be held in May and June in Indonesia. The top three will also participate in this year’s Pan American Games in Santiago, chile. In addition, since the Summer Olympics only allow three players over the age of 23 on each team, the tournament serves as a selection tool for Paris 2024.
The form is quite unique. There are only two groups of five teams competing in a round-robin format. The top three of each group advance to the final group of six, and in that final stage they will battle each other once. Winners are determined by most points as there are no knockouts, finals or third place matches at any stage.
There are plenty of storylines worth your time in this year’s competition. Ecuadordefending champion, hope to repeat again, but many teams have had time to develop since then La Tri won in 2019, which is their first title. It might be fair to say Brazilfor example, are hungry for this trophy because it has been 12 years since the most successful country in this competition (11 titles) was crowned champion.
Then there’s the talent Argentinawho will use all the momentum from the historic victory of the senior team in Cata to secure victory for the first time since 2015. This Albiceleste will be the first to officially wear the three-star shirt. They may not have coach Lionel Scaloni, but will be led by a former player who knows exactly how to play at the top: Javier Mascherano. Uruguay are always strong contenders and with an intrepid team of talented individuals playing at very big clubs, this could be a good year for them.
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However, don’t belittle hosts Colombia: they are going through a minor revolution in the league after their senior team failed to qualify for the World Cup. There is a lot of talent here, and they are poised to win at home and for the first time in a decade.
This competition also acts as a goldmine for scouts from all over the world. It could be a life-changing opportunity for South American players as well as clubs that could profit from European interest. There will be a lot of European clubs paying attention to this competition.
However, there will be no Endrick. Brazilian prodigy — who will play for Real Madrid years later — originally selected when the team was launched, but Palmeiras asked the federation to remove him so he could feature in the Paulista Championship. Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho will also not feature for Argentina, as the Red Devils have chosen to let him stay with the club.
Then there’s Jhon Durán, 19 years old, from Colombia, who recently moved to Aston Villa the words Chicago Fire FC for $18 million plus incentives. At the time of this writing, Durán has left the Colombian team for Birmingham to complete his medical, contract and work permits. Colombia are hoping he will return to the league, but that will depend Premier League club. His compatriot Juan David “Juanda” Fuentes – who plays for Barcelona B – will certainly shoulder the burden until then.
Another star who is also heading to the Premier League, but is playing in this league (unlike Durán,) is the 18-year-old Brazilian. Andrey Santos. Chelsea recently signed midfielder Vasco da Gama and will welcome him back after the tournament.
As a Peruvian, it is my duty – or else I will be disowned by my family – to also keep an eye out for Matías Lazo, a versatile defender from Melgar. He is a strong leader who will be tested immediately when Perú face Brazil in the opening game.
However, apart from these names, there are many unrecognized talents in the league. Keep an eye on these five players: don’t say you weren’t warned.
The only member of Ecuador’s squad to play in Europe, the talented 19-year-old is at Ajax and represents their reserve team on loan, with the option of a permanent move, from Independiente Del Valle, the strong Ecuadorian team gave us the likes of Moisés Caicedo and Gonzalo Plata. Delgado, grandson of Agustín “Tin” Delgado (former all-time top scorer for the national team formerly Enner Valencia take over) is a powerful box-to-box midfielder who enjoys the art of passing the ball quickly, tackles aggressively, and scores goals whenever possible. He is a humble, intelligent young man who moved in Netherlands 18 years old, not knowing a word of Dutch or English, but he has adapted well in one of the best academies in the world.
“I did everything I could to be here,” Delgado told Diario Expreso. “I want to be here and support the team with the short experience I have abroad.”
Don’t let his modesty fool you. This young man is a potential threat and is ready to help Ecuador defend their title.
Darío Osorio | Chile | 18 | Winger | University of Chile
Universidad de Chile, a giant of Chilean football despite recent difficulties (because of economic problems, they have been relegated for the past few seasons), has the most players in Patricio Ormazábal’s team, and no surprises. . The club boasts some quality prospects and Osorio, a quick-thinking, reverse-thinking right winger, is no exception.
The Chilean senior team suffered with the cold realization that their golden years Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and Charles Aránguiz are dying out, but there’s plenty of young talent ready to graduate. Osorio is one of the brightest – he’s quick, brave and a headache for defenders with his amazing left foot. There are many reports about his next destination, from Serie A to Tottenham Hotspur, and there’s no doubt we’ll see him again in Europe soon. Now, enjoy his abilities in this competition.
Máximo Perrone | Argentina | 20 | Midfielder | Velez Sarsfield
By the time you finish reading this, Perrone – a calm, confident midfielder for Veléz Sarsfield – may well be ready for Europe. More specific, City of Manchester. Pep Guardiola is so interested in Perrone that he is said to have contacted the club, the representatives of Perrone and the aforementioned Mascherano, who of course understand the Premier League very well. However, Veléz president Sergio Rapisarda is not pleased as he is frustrated with Guardiola, City and even Mascherano, all of whom are trying to influence Perrone’s decision. It is understood that Perrone’s move to Man City has been set and will go to Manchester after the tournament.
Perrone played well above his age. He’s a smart athlete with good timing, composure and a fierce eye for goal. If Argentina win this tournament, Perrone will be a big reason why.
Vitor Roque | Brazil | 17 | Forward | Athletics Paranaense
To avoid hype, it’s important to stay realistic with expectations, but Roque is the real deal. A 17-year-old striker who plays for Athletico Paranaense and is said to have attracted a lot of fans, including Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. All will have to wait until he turns 18, and Paranaense will demand a hefty price when they consider Roque a key player, not only for the club but also for the Brazilian team. He is a classic striker who can play anywhere up front.
There have been comparisons with Ronaldo Fenómeno, but I reject that because that kind of pressure should never be applied to a player so young. Let Roque create his own path, one that looks extremely promising.
Álvaro Rodríguez | Uruguay | 18 | Forward | Real Madrid
Born in Spain For Uruguayan parents, Rodríguez is one of only two members of Real Madrid Castilla participating in the tournament (the other being Nico Paz), and Uruguay Under-20 coach Marcelo Broli is delighted to have him. , as Rodríguez had previously played for the Spain U18 team.
“It’s great to have him here, because we’ve been trying to pull him in for months,” Broli said earlier this week. “He’s a very humble kid and adapts to the team very quickly. Our playstyle suits him very well because we like to move wide with speed so hopefully we’ll take him to those places. dangerous area.”
That is exactly what Rodríguez, who made his Real Madrid debut in the Copa del Rey last week, does. Regarding Uruguay, there is no doubt that he wants to finally come and represent the nation.
“It was I who made the decisions,” he said, not his father, former Uruguay international Daniel “Coquito” Rodríguez. “My heart goes out to Uruguay.”
It will certainly be more than his heart as the Uruguayan fans are being billed as “Coquito Jr.” ready to make an impact for La Celestewho will be looking to make up for disappointing performances from their senior team at the World Cup.
