Claudio Echeverri Life, Career and Stats

Claudio Echeverri made the news after an amazing breakthrough into professional football at 18.

Starting his early days in River Plate’s youth system, Echeverri went viral at the age of 11 when he represented the Argentina side. His spectacular goals and individual brilliance were caught on camera.

A modern talent spread through social media has already signed a deal with Manchester City despite turning 18 only in January. He is also considered one of the best youngsters in the world, thanks to his speed, vision, positioning, and creativity in the wing. Moreover, his devilish dribbling style gave him the nickname “El Diablito”(“devilish )” in his home country.

Early life

Echeverri was born in Resistencia, located in northeast Argentina. Since childhood, he followed his father and learned the basics of football. His mother and two brothers encouraged and supported him, which naturally helped build his dreams in the beautiful game.

Local club Deportivo Lujan laid the platform for the youngster to nurture and develop his skills, which grabbed the attention of the River scouts, who ultimately offered a trial at the age of 10. In less than no time Echeverri made his mark and the impressed former River recruitment director Daniel Brizuela told TyC Sports: “Beyond skill and technique, we look at decision-making, intelligence, and character. Claudio was like a 10-year-old man.”

This paved the way for River to announce the signing of Echeverri, while the family ties almost prevented their union, regarding which Brizuela added: “We were standing in front of the Monumental, and Echeverri said to me: ‘I am a River fan, and I love it here, but if my mother isn’t joining me, then I will head back to Chaco.’

Former River manager Marcelo Gallardo and president Rodolfo D’Onofrio felt this opportunity was too big to slip through the hands, arranging accommodation for his mother in Buenos Aires – which was a big gamble given his age.

However, things went as planned as Echeverri climbed the River ranks at a rapid rate, with a commanding performance at the Venice Champions Trophy proving he was a fine talent. In October 2022, he made his debut as a 16-year-old for the club’s reserve team debut marking the occasion with a goal.

Soon, River and Echeverri joined forces with a first professional contract. His style of play spread all around the South American continent, as he was following the same trail as Marco Etcheverry, who was widely considered to be one of the greatest players in South American history.

The Big Break

Echeverri had a lifetime moment as the River starlet was invited to train with Argentina’s senior squad alongside Lionel Messi ahead of the Under-17 World Cup preparation last March

The youngster quickly adapted and Angel Di Maria told reporters when asked about the teenager’s abilities: “He looked sharp, we definitely watched him. He has a lot to give.”

River boss Martin Demichelis handed Echeverri his senior debut for the club after the experience he garnered, in a home fixture against Instituto AC Cordoba and later featured in three more matches before the end of the 2023 season.

Manchester City
City added more flavour to their Argentina list with their new signing Echeverri. The English club has given the spotlight on previous greats like Zabaleta, Carlos Tevez, Alvarez, and Sergio Aguero helping them become dominant forces in the Premier League.

On 25 January 2024, Premier League giants Manchester City agreed to sign the River and Argentina starlet for an initial £12.5 million ($16m) fee after fighting off competition from Barcelona for a four-and-a-half-year contract, remaining on loan at River Plate until January 2025.

International career

Now the time came for Echeverri to make an impact at the U17 World Cup in Peru, and he grabbed it. He was pivotal in Argentina’s run until the semis scoring five goals across seven appearances, including a stunning hat-trick in the last eight against Brazil.

Moreover, his third goal resembled the famous Messi finish against the Selecao in 2021. The composure and speed to go round the goalkeeper, before poking the ball into the of the net.

Unfortunately, Argentina went out of the competition after a penalty shootout defeat to Germany. Echeverri’s spot-kick was saved to go from hero to zero in just one second after a dramatic equalizer in normal time. Transfermarkt’s area manager for Argentina and South America, Scott Christensen said “He is without a doubt the biggest talent in Argentina,” Christensen said. “He is a small player who plays as an attacking midfielder. He is skillful, a good dribbler, creative, difficult to anticipate, and has a very strong finish. He is a player who always wants the ball and the initiative.”

Honors

River Plate

• Argentine Primera División: 2023
• Trofeo de Campeones: 2023
• Supercopa Argentina: 2023

Individual

• FIFA U-17 World Cup Bronze Boot

FAQ

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