THIAGO ALMADA

Velez Sarsfield’s interest in this year’s Copa Sudamericana appeared to be over in February. Away to Aucas of Ecuador they were seconds from elimination – until they were awarded an injury-time penalty. The pressure was on, but up stepped an 18-year-old to save the day with a nerveless spot-kick.

After growing up in the notoriously violent Fort Apache area of Buenos Aires, Thiago Almada was not going to be fazed by the challenge of beating a goalkeeper from 12 yards.

Fort Apache is the neighbourhood of Carlos Tevez and, though a decade and a half apart, he and Almada played for the same local side. And both were coached by Eduardo Hernandez, who says: “Almada has much more technique.

always stood out for his drive and desire, but on the ball Thiago is better.”

After coming through the ranks, Almada had the good fortune to reach the Velez first team while Gabriel Heinze was in charge. Heinze gave youth its head and developed some promising players in an attack-minded side.

After being given his debut in August 2018 Almada grew in confidence as he was handed more responsibility, helping Velez to finish third in the 2019-20 Superliga, behind champions Boca Juniors and River Plate.

Operating mostly behind a main striker in the number 10 role, he can also play out wide – the position where he is most likely to see action in Europe, with Manchester City and Lisbon’s Sporting known to be among his admirers.

With his close control and capacity to see a pass, the influence of Eden Hazard is clear, although he is of slighter build than the Belgian star and not nearly as strong on the ball.

Time, however, is on the side of the latest starlet to scale the walls and break out of Fort Apache.

“Almada has much more technique. Carlitos always stood out for his drive and desire, but on the ball Thiago is better”

Eduardo Hernandez