The January transfer window marks a time of constant trade rumors and reports as the top clubs from around Europe try to add talent and/or cash in order to lay the foundation for future success.
However, across the water, the South American Under-20 Championship takes place and this year’s tournament in Uruguay promises to deliver, especially when looking at a particularly strong side from Argentina that is among the favorites to win it all. Humberto Grondona’s side is stacked with young talent and the best of them will shine with soccer fans from around the world paying close attention this month. Here is a quick look at the four best Argentina players to watch at this year’s South American Under-20 Championship.
Angel Correa – Striker
An agreement to move to Atletico Madrid back in July hasn’t come to fruition yet but Correa has become a household name at San Lorenzo and he is sure to steal the spotlight at this year’s tournament. He was spectacular in the team’s 5-2 thrashing of Ecuador, dazzling with one goal and laying two more on a silver platter for Simeone to finish off.
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It’s even more impressive if you consider how far he’s come in the last year. A heart defect detected by Spanish doctors during his physical robbed him of showcasing his skills over the past couple of months. Just as he was negotiating a deal worth millions of euros, a medical exam in Spain detected a tumor in Correia’s heart ventricle. Soon after, he was forced to have surgery in New York and then faced a challenging six months on the sidelines.
But even with such a long layoff and even with his life being put on the line, he has come back and excelled at a high level. He received the green light to play in this tournament and he’s been impressive so far. Quick and extremely gifted with the ball on his foot, Correa will play a central role in the Albiceleste attack with a chance to earn a measure of redemption and prove to the world what he could bring to the table once he eventually makes the move to Europe.
Maxi Rolon – Striker
One of three players on the squad that has experience in Europe, Rolon has developed his skills while playing for the Barcelona B squad. He’s looking to follow the path laid out by players like his idol Lionel Messi. He certainly isn’t as flashy as Correa but his brute strength and penchant for attacking the goal has earned him a spot in Barcelona’s system and will be important up front for Argentina at this tournament.
Emanuel Mammana – Defender
Following in the footsteps of former Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is Mammana, who is set to play a key role in the heart of the Albiceleste defense. He’s yet another young star to make his national team debut despite never playing a professional game. The 18-year-old has gotten a taste of pro soccer over the past couple of months and his game has come a long way. He has grown in to his body and picked up valuable experience to become a staple at the back of the Argentina defense.
Tomas Martinez – Midfielder
Martinez is a mobile playmaker that will play a key role feeding Correa and Rolon up front as he’ll be supporting them from the midfield position. Arguably the brightest young player on the Albiceleste roster, Martinez will have the chance to put his excellent vision to good use as he looks to help stretch the field and find space for Argentina’s top strikers.
A physical presence that knows when to push the pace and when to slow things down, Martinez is a player that can’t be overlooked based on what he brings to the table. He will play a central role in whether Argentina has success of fails at the South American Under-20 Championship.
