Claudio Echeverri

Echeverri operates centrally as an attacking midfielder, drifting into pockets between the lines where he can face up to a defender and try to beat him rather than releasing the ball immediately. His close control lets him ride a first challenge and keep the move alive, a skill that separated him from his peers throughout his youth development. He has also shown a consistent eye for goal from midfield rather than only from wide areas.

The tension with any teenager this talented is the gap between what worked against youth defenders and what survives against senior professionals who are stronger, faster and less forgiving of a heavy touch. Dribbling instincts that dominate an underage tournament do not automatically transfer to a first team squad built around senior internationals. Watch how much of the ball he sees in matches that matter.