South America has been a talent hub for football clubs throughout the years, and many great players have emerged from the continent. The latest name in the long line of players is Facundo Pellistri who has grabbed the attention of scouts all over the world with his skills.
Daily Mail now reports that the talented youngster is under the radar of Manchester City as Pep Guardiola wants to bring the winger to Etihad. Newcastle United are also looking at the player, and so are Spanish giants Real Madrid, who have brought several South Americans youngsters to their squad in the last few years.
Who is Facundo Pellistri?
The 18-year-old was a youth product of Uruguayan side Penarol and graduated to a member of the first team. It is a mere coincidence that Diego Forlán is managing the side at this moment, and the legend rates him very highly. Speaking about the player, he had previously stated, “He’s very young and we’re enjoying having him with us.”
Pellistri broke into the first team only in August 2019 and so far he has appeared in 23 matches for his club, mostly operating in the right-wing. In the short time, he has already displayed his creativity and an eye for goal. The Uruguayan has also scored once for the team, as many consider this as only the beginning.
So much has been the influence of this starlet that the club has awarded him the number 10 shirt and it is expected that he would go on to do magical things for his country in the years to come.
His role at Manchester City
Manchester City have produced some decent players in the last couple of years. While Phil Foden has already made a mark for the senior side starting from the youth setup, Jadon Sancho has left the club in search of regular football after graduating from the youth academy. Gone are the days when the Citizens would depend solely on high value transfers to bolster their squad.
On the contrary, they have shown an intent to develop players from within and turn them into world-beaters. Facundo Pellistri would be an important acquisition in that direction. The philosophy of Pep Guardiola has been integrated at every level of their youth setup, and this would help players like Pellistri make themselves better at such a young age.
With Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez being in the team, it would be difficult for the Penarol man to feature regularly from the very beginning. However, he could be an important squad member and made to play in the cup competitions at this moment. With time and experience, Pellistri could be one of the future stars of the club, someone whom the fans could look forward to developing right under their noses.
