Manchester City made a surprise signing on transfer deadline day when they completed the signing of midfielder Yangel Clemente Herrera Ravelo from Atletico Venezuela. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder slipped under the radar of many and he was immediately sent out on loan to New York City.

Herrera is currently starring for Venezuela in the South American Youth Football Championship and has impressed with Atletico Venezuela over the past 12 months. City acted fast to secure his services as other European clubs had been monitoring his progress.

The midfielder is highly rated in Venezuela and has already made one appearance for the national team, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Brazil. He was also part of Venezuela’s Copa Centenario squad last summer, but didn’t feature at the tournament.

Even though he is a defensive midfielder, Herrera can double as a centre-half. The teenager is two-footed and is an excellent passer of the ball. He also has a sound defensive mind, reads the game well and loves to close down his opponents. Given City’s vulnerabilities at the back this season, it makes sense why the club have signed the teenager.

Even though he was an important player for Atletico Venezuela, it is a big step-up from a sub-par-league to one of Europe’s top leagues. Especially if you also take into consideration that he is only 19-years-old and still an unpolished diamond. This will explain why he has been immediately sent out on loan to New York City.

During his time in the MLS he will be able to hone his talents under the guidance of Patrick Vieira. If there is anyone who will be able to get him ready for the high-demands of being a Premier League midfielder, then the three times league winner is the right man.

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Some of England’s biggest club’s along with Juventus and Barcelona had been linked with Dayot Upamecano. However, the 18-year-old defender opted to join RB Leipzig from affiliate club, Red Bull Salzburg, for a fee in the region of £10M.

This should come as no surprise to many observers as he is the ninth player to make the journey over the past couple of seasons.

In 2015 Red Bull Salzburg recognised the potential of Upamecano and splashed out £1.8M. He was immediately sent out on loan to affiliate Red Bull club, FC Liefering, who also produce talented youngsters for all of the senior sides. After 16 appearances he was sent back to the first team for the 2016/17 season.

Upamecano became a regular fixture in the Salzburg line-up, featuring 21 times in either defence or midfield. He was one of the standout performers in the Hinrunde with his bold aggressive style and assuredness that belies his young years.

With the same build and power of a Yaya Toure or a Patrick Vieira, the 6″1 teen bullied strikers off the ball. However, the 18-year-old isn’t all about power as he has the ability and self-belief to dribble his way out of trouble or launch an attack with a precise pass in the same way Raphaël Varane does for Real Madrid.

Upamecano is held in high regard by Leipzig’s Sporting Director, Ralf Ragnick, who said on the club’s official website “We are delighted that Dayot decided to join us to make the next step in his career despite several offers from international clubs. We are convinced that Dayot can already be a reinforcement for our squad in the near future.” He also added “…he is a player who fits our club and philosophy  because of his age, potential and style of play.”

Upamecano should become a regular fixture in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side and it wont come as a surprise if he enjoys the same success as their last signing from Red Bull Salzburg, Naby Keïta, who is currently one of the Bundesliga’s standout players.

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