Thread by @_TheNearPost

𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶- '𝗘𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗼'

A thread on Manchester City's potential new signing.

Claudio Echeverri is the newest talent to come out of River Plate's Academy- the same one that produced Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez.

He is a classic 10- one who is blessed with the potential to become an elite goalscoring creator.

For starters, like Julian, Echeverri is a fierce presser. Comfortable with sitting as a LM in a 4-4-2, he's also been used to press up front with the striker, usually marking one of the CBs/GK.

He's a tenacious player, capable of using his off-ball work to generate chances.

Another quality that stands out is Echeverri's dribbling.

- Close control, low centre of gravity.
- High step count, quick feet, short legs.
- Shifts body weight with ease.
- Potential to ride contact.

(Credit to @lafodance for the clip).

All of this means that he has terrific control of the ball whilst in possession, almost like it's a part of his body.

While there are doubts over his physical profile (small frame), there is time to develop. Moreover, his ability to change directions at a high speed means...

He can beat opposition players in his path. He's also quite comfortable playing out wide, seen rotating with Prestianni against Brazil.

While he cannot regularly dribble on the outside, I've seen glimpses of it.

Certainly potential to develop into a 'wingfielder'.

Fair to remember, though, he is quite one-footed. He's less likely to develop into a two-way threat but he's a high quality manipulator, meaning he can still replicate a fraction of that, similar to B.Silva.

Should he improve his ability to ride contact, that can skyrocket.

His reception in central areas is great, whether it be under pressure or in space. However, there were some instances, where he lacked the 'quickness' to progress play.

This is not a skill issue- just a matter of consistency.

He does not have the 'explosiveness' to eat up space- rather, he's a manipulator who possesses a lovely burst to gain seperation and drive away.

Think of your Messis, Hazards Neymars.

Big comparison.

(Credit to @dxmrem, took the clip from him).

His ball-striking seems relatively clean. Not the most powerful, but the fundamentals are there.

- Plants weak foot into the ground, with a little bend, allows for a larger chance of generating some power.

- Strong follow-through with his other foot. Little to no flimsiness.

Think he has a habit of aiming it towards the goalkeeper, but that's far from worrying. He has the intent to attack space and score goals- coupled with his mental desire to constantly influence games, he'll only get better.

There's also potentially scope to add more power?

He's also got this uncanny ability of 'ghosting' into the penalty box.

He can feed off a striker's gravity, or drift into spaces a la Thomas Muller.

This means there's a chance he develops into a 10-15 goals a season player. Imagine this on top of what he already does.

The ball-striking, combined with his already polished technical base, means he could become an expansive passer.

He's shown incredible feel for the final pass in transitions, evident from this final ball with the outside of his boot.

His decision-making in these instances>>

He can also try replicating it against settled defences. He's shown comfortability in creating from the right, raising his ceiling.

Inswingers, outswingers, through balls- that's an incredible variety in passing. Open body orientation also means he can access most angles.

His associative play is quite good- little flicks and passes to the runners.

However, this is what he can try replicating consistently- developing rhythm, learning to 'play for the team'.

Instead of attempting a carry or dribble, Echeverri can learn to look at the passing options around him- thereby, helping gel together an attack and dictate more plays.

He can also learn to improve in dropping deep as a +1 in build-up.

The good news, though, is that he has the desire to do so- he does not shy away from the ball.

He cherishes responsibility- he will take the ball in any zone and give it his best to provide a positive action.

Basically, the issues I have listed have much more to do with maturity, age and experience.

Which is unsurprising, given he is only 17 years old.

But, all that being said, this is Argentina's next no.10- one with goalscoring potential, and a possibly deadly final ball.

If he can develop his core strength (and leg strength?), and continue to apply his fine skillset to develop a blend of carrying and creative passing, then he is going to develop into one of the world's finest players.

End of the day, I can see him get some minutes on the left flank, with the license to operate centrally.

Similar to another technician of that mould? 👀

I think playing out wide requires less 360⁰ vision and will utilise his:

- Passing/Scope to hone it out wide.
- Central carrying/ability to complement the interior.
- Finesse shot.
- Box crashing.

As a 10, if he can consistently replicate his passing ability, nothing like it.

Manchester City have done well to get another Argentinean gem on their hands.

Should he progress and break into the first team, then maybe we see him live up to the nickname- a 'little devil', disrupting defences and leaving scorched defenders in his wake.

Summary:

Strengths- Dribbling, passing, vision, pressing, movement.

Weaknesses- Physicality, ability in the duels.

He has an incredible profile to build on!

End of Thread. Thanks for reading. Likes, RTs and feedback appreciated.

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