In the wake of recent events in the build up to the postponed Copa Libertadores final clash between Boca Juniors and River Plate, there has been a suggestion that aspiring wonderkids will be easily persuaded to move to Europe in search of safer and less intimidating footballing environments.
Making a decision to move continents in search of full-time employment is one which takes a high level of bravery and determination, regardless of what promised riches and success supposedly beckon.
For many young South American footballers the prospect of moving to Europe is regarded as the stepping stone which can catapult an individual career, with international superstars Neymar, Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero all vindicating that commonly held perception.
Shortly after his eighteenth birthday, Aguero decided to make the switch to Atletico Madrid from Independiente. The rest, as they say, is history.
Aguero is now entrenched into Man City folklore for eternity, and the record books likewise. The club’s top goalscorer and the scorer of the most iconic and game-changing goal in their history will remain a talent for supporters to salivate over through the ages.
For the reasons cited above, his legacy will transcend countless other superstars who will inevitably come and go from the Etihad Stadium, but there is a new kid on the block who could become the next Argentinian to wow supporters of the Premier League champions.
That player goes by the name of Benjamin Garre, a player who signed for Man City at just 15-years-of-age in 2016. The Citizens fought off competition from Barcelona to secure his signature from Argentinian outfit, Velez, and two years later he is beginning to make an impact for the U23’s.
While predominantly operating on the left-wing, Garre has scored four goals and provided three assists this season from just nine appearances in City’s reserve team and, while he still has some way to go before he can dream of a first-team opportunity, it would be no surprise if he followed in Phil Foden’s footsteps next season.
And with Brahim Diaz succumbing to the tantalising prospect of joining Real Madrid, according to a recent report from Bleacher Report, there may be an opening for Garre to exploit.
Rabbi Matondo’s recent shock call-up to the Wales squad suggests that he will be pose Garre’s biggest threat as the pair of talented wonderkids bid to convince Guardiola of their credentials to replace Diaz in the first-team squad.
The impulsive reaction to Diaz’s looming departure will naturally be one of regret and a pondering of what might have been for the immensely skilful youngster but, with Garre waiting in the wings, there is no doubt that supporters can look forward to the emergence of another Argentine who will be aiming to follow in Aguero’s footsteps in the years to come.
Manchester City fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
