In an inflated transfer market, clubs with a tight budget find it difficult to pay for ready-made players. Instead, they have invested heavily in their scouting department, which can identify undiscovered talents - that could be integrated into the first team or molded with a few loan spells elsewhere.
With ease in work-permit regulations, European teams are encouraged to recruit directly from the South American market. Although the Brazilian first-tier league, Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, is the most popular option, the Argentinian top division is also gaining more traction from Europe. The transfer of Julian Alvarez from River Plate to Manchester City for £14 million in the summer of '22 is a fitting example.
This piece will explore the Argentina Primera Division to uncover young prospects that could make transfer news headlines in the coming months and years.
Discover related articles:
The most exciting talent from this league is the twenty-three-year-old striker Mateo Retegui. The top scorer with 19 goals in 27 matches - 5 more than the closest to him. Though 6 of them were from the penalty spot, he still leads the chart in non-penalty goals (13).
(Mateo Retegui stands out from the rest of his competitors in the league)
Characterized by his high shot volume, progressive carries, and ability with both feet, Retegui has made a name for himself in 2022. Having moved from Boca Juniors to Tigre on loan for two seasons, his current team can trigger the option to purchase following the end of his contract after the 2023/24 season.
Retegui has a bright future ahead and although he may not be a finished article just yet, another eye-catching season or two in Argentina will attract suitors from Europe.
(Mateo Retegui ended the season with 21 goal contributions - more than anyone in the Primera Division)
The next player on the list is a twenty-year-old forward who plays for the reigning Primera Division champions, Club Atlético Boca Juniors. Though he only recorded less than 1000 minutes of game time in the season gone by, Luca Langoni has made a name for himself in the Argentinian scene.
The skillful youngster, who prefers to play on the wings, is distinguished by his burst of acceleration, ability to take on defenders, and eye for goal. When adjusting goal contributions by minutes played, Luca Langoni delivers impressive numbers.
His contract will keep him at Boca Juniors till 2026 unless any interested party is willing to activate Langoni's release clause, which is €3.2 million. However, if he develops in this trajectory, many would not be surprised if the club decided to re-negotiate and boost that value.
(Luca Langoni has scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 949 minutes for Boca Juniors)
Moving from a position on one end of the pitch to another, Sebastian Meza had a productive season at Sarmiento in goal. Though he conceded 32 goals in the 27 games played, considering he plays for the 9th worst defensive side, those numbers are decent.
Meza ranks third in total saves made and total shots faced - showing that he is regularly tested in games. As a young goalkeeper, it is a sticky task to earn the manager's trust as they usually rely on experience. But Meza has merited the faith of Israel Damonte, banking 2,430 minutes in the league - which is the highest a player can achieve. And he ranks first for minutes played for players under twenty-two.
(Sebastian Meza's slightly below-par performance in save % is commendable considering the abundant volume of shots faced)
Facundo Kruspzky of Arsenal (Yes, there is a team called Arsenal, based in Sarandi, in the Argentine Primera Division) is an exciting prospect. At the tender age of twenty, Kruspzky has already racked up close to 3000 minutes over two seasons. But during the past campaign, he started to add goals and assists to the tally.
Playing primarily on the left wing, the Argentine combines flare with his game intelligence. Often cutting to his right foot, Kruspzky looks to either get a shot off or find a teammate in the box. At 5 feet 9 inches, he is good with his head - scoring 3 of out 6 goals with a header.
(Facundo Kruspzky on the right, celebrating a goal with his teammate)
Although he is without a club for the 2023 season (due to the expiry of this contract), Arsenal will be doing their utmost to re-sign him with other clubs in Argentina and abroad, considering a free move for the young gun.
Santiago Hezze is an adept youngster who plays at the heart of CA Huracan's midfield. As a central midfielder comfortable playing as the pivot, Hezze has many weapons in his arsenal. Capable of timing good tackles, mopping up any loose balls in the middle of the park, and utilizing his wide passing range - Hezze does it all.
(Heatmap for 2022 via Sofascore)
Over the last season, he has been a mainstay for Huracan's coach, Diego Dabove. And his stock has been on an uptrend ever since.
Hezze's progress has not gone unnoticed with the media highly appreciative of his development. In a recent interview by News Rebeat in September last year, they had the following to say. "He’s 20 but plays like he has a decade in the First Division. In Serie A, almost out of curiosity, he hasn’t always been a starter. Today he is undisputed in the team led by Diego Dabove. He even became one of the youngest captains in Huracán history, born in 1908."
(Santiago Hezze started 26 out of the 27 games for his club in 2022)
When asked about the recognition he is receiving abroad, Hezze answered, "The polls in Europe made me happy, but today I’m at Huracan, and that’s what matters to me, to keep adding to every game and try to win something with the club."
A year or two in his current club would do Hezze wonders for his growth, especially under Diego Dabove, who has shown faith in the twenty-one-year-old this past year. Valued at €5.5 million by Transfermarkt, expect his worth to increase shortly.
The Argentine fans would hope they do not have to wait another 36 years for their next World Cup triumph after a memorable 2022 conquest. And the best way to develop national team players for the future is by giving homegrown talent a platform to grow.
But last year's World Cup winning squad included many youngsters such as Julian Alvarez (22), Enzo Fernandez (21), Alexis Mac Allister (24), Thiago Almada (21), Exequiel Palacios (24), Nahuel Molina (24), Lisandro Martinez (24), Cristian Romero (24), Gonzalo Montiel (25), and Juan Foyth (24).
Argentina is heading in the right direction. And although they may not have the next Lionel Messi to take over the legends mantle, they are breeding a good crop of players to sustain the national teams' quality.
Commenti