Young Player Spotlight #3
This week we have two returning wonderkids and a young Argentinian trying to establish himself in the Premier League.
Facundo Buonanotte, 19, Brighton — x Brentford, Premier League, 03/04/24
Brighton are famously known for their impressive scouting network and recruitment of young talents. Facundo Buonanotte is another of these talents, having joined from Rosario Central in 2023 after turning 18 years old.
Last week Brighton visited Brentford for a match between two of the most interesting football projects in Europe, which ended up in a 0x0 draw. Buonanotte was their right winger in a 4–2–3–1 setup, but constantly drifted inside, virtually becoming a right-sided number 10 in possession beside veteran Adam Lallana. In a possession-dominant side, he was essential in linking up play in attack. Roaming all around the final third, Facundo was involved in most attacking combinations and was always showing up to receive the ball and circulate possession.
In addition, his dribbling prowess was put to good use, confidently taking on opponents quite a few times. And, as his Premier League stats highlight, Buonanotte was also important out of possession, especially in counterpressing situations, recovering the ball while displaying an aggressive attitude.
Endrick, 17, Palmeiras — x Santos, Paulista, 07/04/24
Last issue I highlighted Endrick’s performance in the Paulista semifinal. Well, this Sunday he guided Palmeiras to the title as they beat rivals Santos in the final, while being nominated the Player of the Match, followed by the Player of the Tournament award.
Playing as a right-sided striker beside more traditional number 9 José López, Endrick was Palmeiras’ main attacking threat. Confident, composed and aggressive he was constantly looking to receive the ball, and when doing so, taking on opponents and quickly combining with teammates, always hungry to create goals.
And create goals he did. Palmeiras won 2x0. Their first goal came from the penalty spot, a penalty won by Endrick. He wasn’t directly involved in the second one, but it happened after he won the ball back in the attacking half to start a sequence that ended in the back of the net. He loves big games, he thrives in big moments.
Claudio Echeverri, 18, River Plate — x Rosario Central, Copa de La Liga, 07/04/24
The other young sensation already signed to a European giant coming back to this series in a short period. El Diablito started again for River on Sunday and put on a top performance.
With 105 touches, Echeverri was River’s heart and brain. Moving all around the final third he was River’s creative and progressive hub. While also constantly asking for the ball, he did everything with it. He carried it forward, dribbled past opponents, took shots, took crosses, circulated it, progressed it with passes, tried line-breaking and creative passes and was responsible for set-pieces.
It must be said, however, that River Plate struggled in the first half. In fact, they were trailing from the 11th minute to the 67th. Meanwhile, El Diablito was their only hope, any sign of threat seemed to come from him. 18 years of age just completed and already a protagonist in one of South America’s greatest clubs.
Lucas Barth
