In Argentina there are some fierce historical rivalries: everyone knows the two major sides from Buenos Aires, but fewer people know of the great rivalry between Rosario Central and Newell’s Old Boys.
In the city that produced none other than Messi, there is another star in the making competing on the other side on the opposite side of town, a 20 year-old boy who has already charmed Europe: Giovani Lo Celso.
Who is this unknown guy? He’s the future of the number 10s. He became the foundation of Rosario Central’s game and he’s at the top of list when it comes to Eduardo Coudet’s starting line up.
This rising star has the best dribbling skills in Argentina’s championship at the moment. He’s quick, with sublime technique in dribbling and simply moving with the ball. His other best qualities are long range passing (helping Marco Ruben in developing into one of the best strikers in this Championship), marking and tracking back to regain possession from the oppositionl. Mentally he’s ready for Europe: his workrate and toughness are as rare as diamonds in players of his age.
He was born as a number 10 and he’s always willing to help in defence. He mainly plays as a playmaker in a 4-2-3-1, but because of his mental attitude and strength he could play as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. He’s possesses all the attributes that modern football requires: high level technique, speed, physical strength and creativity.
In Rosario his development has been managed superbly by the coach: he has gradually played more minutes than what he could imagine because of the patience and accompaniment of his coach Coudet in his path of growth. Giovani said in an interview: “Coudet discovered me and made me more powerful. Match by match he gives me his advice on how to become better.”
He finds inspiration in Di Maria, and he stated that he admires his humbleness. He loves European football and likes to see Barcelona, along with Italian and English clubs playing just to learn. In Argentina he’s compared to Riquelme and, while he denies to be a star, those close to him and who know him say he has a great foundation in place to develop into one of the World’s top players.
He has just been signed by PSG in a 10 millions deal. Will this be the end of a rising talent or the start of a wonderful journey for this hot prospect?
About the author – Marco Santanche
Marco was born in Rome and supports Inter because of Luiz Nazario Da Lima Ronaldo. He is a Brazilian citizen because of his father’s roots. He played futsal for several years, even in the FIGC (Italian FA) as a winger, playmaker and striker. He is now studying for a degree in finance.
