BRYAN CABEZAS

The fact that Independiente’s left-winger was something of a disappointment in both legs of the Final could not be taken as a question of temperament, because in South American football there are few things bigger than a meeting with Boca Juniors – and here Cabezas excelled. He scored home and away as the Ecuadorians got the better of the previously unbeaten Buenos Aires giants in both legs, showcasing power, speed and skill that were too much for his opposing right-back.

Cabezas is a fine illustration of the Independiente project, as they identified his potential, groomed him for five years and will now presumably cash in on his sale.

The club’s most successful graduate is Jefferson Montero, also a left-winger. And while Cabezas does not have all of the sinuous skills of the Swansea City man, he is more direct and physically imposing.

There should be plenty more to come from the young man who silenced the Bombonera stadium.