Bogotá -
The absence of heavyweight players is not synonymous with talent scarcity. In the South American U-23 Pre-Olympic Tournament, which begins on Saturday, January 18 in Colombia, young players with a thirst for glory will be showcased in a region that breathes football.
Although the regional teams are weakened by the fact that clubs are not obligated to lend their young gems due to it not being a FIFA competition, the 10 participants have cards to show.
- Ecuador's Schedule in the 2020 South American U-23 Pre-Olympic Tournament
Adolfo Gaich
He has already shown his power in the Pan American Games, the South American U-20 Championship, and the U-20 World Cup in 2019. Gaich, from San Lorenzo in Argentina, scored 12 goals and provided 3 assists in the three tournaments.
The 20-year-old forward has been approached by European clubs without meeting the million-dollar request from Ciclón for his transfer, according to the Argentine press. Argentine coach Fernando Batista compares him with Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
Henry Vaca
He is not only Bolivia's hope in the competition but also for the battered senior national team.
Immersed in an ongoing crisis, the talent of this attacker from Universitario in Peru has earned him the nickname of the "Bolivian Messi" and at 21 years old, he has been called up to the senior team.
Reinier
The Spanish press says that he will join Real Madrid on Sunday when the skillful midfielder turns 18.
As a champion of the 2019 Copa Libertadores and Brasileirao with Flamengo, Reinier will be Real Madrid's new bet and André Jardine's strong card to lead Brazil to repeat its Olympic title.
Gabriel Suazo
He was 19 years old when he made his debut with the Chilean national team under Juan Antonio Pizzi. Eager for a change in the golden generation, Chileans are digging deep in search of talent. In those efforts, Suazo (22) emerged.
The midfielder, a key player for Colo Colo, will be at the forefront of Bernardo Redín's midfield, in a position where Arturo Vidal and Charles Aránguiz have shone.
Jorge Carrascal
One of Marcelo Gallardo's bets at River Plate. The ingenuity and capacity of this 21-year-old Colombian player took him to Europe at an early age.
After failed stints with Sevilla in Spain (with their reserves) and Karpaty Lviv in Ukraine, El Muñeco brought him to Argentina where he is a beloved player for the Millionarios' fans.
Leonardo Campana
He was the top scorer for the Ecuadorian team that won the 2019 South American U-20 Championship with six goals, although he did not score in the U-20 World Cup in Poland. This forward from Guayaquil is Jorge Célico's card to compete for an unprecedented spot in Tokyo.
Leo (19), according to the English press, could join Wolverhampton in the Premier League in the coming days.
Jesús Medina
He is 22 years old and is already a two-time champion in Paraguay with Libertad. Medina captured the attention of Manchester City, although he was bought by New York City, the English club's affiliate in the American MLS.
With the Paraguayan team, he scored three goals in 2019 and is waiting for Pep Guardiola's call to make the leap to Europe, while becoming Paraguay's reference to return to the World Cup after eight years of absence.
Aldair Fuentes
He can play as a central defender, although he prefers to be a midfielder. As a midfielder for the runner-up Alianza Lima, he stood out as one of the revelations of the Peruvian league.
Nolberto Solano will decide in which position this 19-year-old player born in Pisco will play. Due to his height (1.93 m), he stands out in aerial plays and his combative attitude has earned him the captain's armband for the Limean team.
Diego Rossi
He leads the list of top scorers in the regular season of the MLS, surpassing established players like Mexican Carlos Vela, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (now with AC Milan), and Venezuelan Josef Martínez.
His 16 goals scored earned him the award for the best under-22 player in the American tournament. He has been part of the selection process since he was 15 years old and gives hopes to replace idols like Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez.
Yeferson Soteldo
He was registered at the last minute after the Venezuelan Football Federation obtained permission from Santos in Brazil.
The Brazilian club, where he was a standout and revelation last year under the guidance of Jorge Sampaoli, finally let him go and he will be Venezuela's main hope to qualify for the Olympics for the second time.
This 22-year-old attacker is a key player in Venezuela's attempt to revalidate their sub-20 runner-up position in 2017, which showcased the golden generation of the Vinotinto. (D)