The 2023 Copa Libertadores last between Boca Juniors and Fluminense takes place on Saturday night, with loads of future stars set to be on show in South America’s premier event.
Boca and Fluminense have had fairly completely different routes to the ultimate. The Argentinian facet have required penalty shootout victories in all three of their knockout video games to date, whereas their Brazilian opponents this Saturday have gained 4 and drawn two of their six legs on the way in which to the ultimate.
Whereas each squads are stacked with veterans – the likes of Marcelo, Felipe Melo and Edinson Cavani may all function – there shall be loads of thrilling younger wonderkids to control within the Libertadores last.
Listed here are among the starlets to be careful for within the Libertadores last.
Andre is probably going a reputation that Premier League followers are beginning to change into acquainted with, particularly these of Liverpool and Arsenal. The 22-year-old was closely linked with a transfer to Anfield final summer time and Jurgen Klopp’s recruitment staff had been involved with the Brazilian all through the latest switch window.
Liverpool remain in the hunt for Andre and seem the almost definitely vacation spot for him at current, presumably in January, however Arsenal haven’t given up hopes of tempting him with a transfer to north London as an alternative.
The Gunners have identified Andre as a target to bolster their midfield and would be capable of supply him Champions League soccer. He would, nonetheless, need to compete with £105m summer time signing Declan Rice.
The 2-cap Brazil worldwide has been praised for the steadiness he brings to the Fluminense facet, typically dropping deep to select up possession and dictate the tempo of matches. It appears Andre shall be gracing the Premier League sooner fairly than later, with a winter transfer firmly set in his sights.
At 19-years-old, Valentin Barco will most likely making a transfer to Europe’s elite leagues shortly. The left-back, who typically operates on the left-wing, has burst on to the scene in Argentina and is needed by the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Brighton.
A participant Football Manager followers shall be acquainted with, Barco has big potential and his versatility down the left flank could have impressed potential suitors.
Barco has a aim and an help in eight Copa Libertadores and has tormented opposition right-backs together with his tempo and fast ft. A giant efficiency in Saturday’s last may add a nought or two to his price ticket.
One other younger midfielder linked with Liverpool, Ezequiel Fernandez is one other who has bought excited followers in Argentina. The 21-year-old has an ideal left foot, dictating video games together with his passing and unimaginable composure.
The holding midfielder has performed his approach into Jorge Almiron’s staff this season and has impressed together with his physicality. If the Reds do not make a transfer for Andre in January, Fernandez might be an alternate possibility.
Fluminense’s John Kennedy has shone for Fernando Diniz’s facet this season, though will not be in motion from the beginning within the Libertadores last. The 21-year-old has three targets and 4 assists within the competitors to date, together with his vitality and chaotic nature making life powerful for opposition defenders.
Whereas able to enjoying throughout the entrance line, Kennedy usually traces up by means of the centre, typically alongside prolific veteran German Cano. The Brazilian could also be sacrificed to present Fluminense extra steadiness and defensive construction in opposition to Boca, however he shall be a brilliant sub for Diniz on the very least.
Arsenal have reportedly scouted Kennedy prior to now, however he’s most likely a participant that the majority of Europe’s high golf equipment are monitoring carefully.
Cristian Medina is one other promising midfielder at present plying his commerce at La Bombonera, with the 21-year-old having featured 44 instances throughout all competitions for Boca this season.
Medina was linked with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fiorentina throughout the summer time and at present has a launch clause of roughly £13m inserted in his present cope with the Argentinian facet.
