Brazil were not only the South American Under-17 champions, but also the team that brought together some of the most exciting talent for the future, in a tournament they have won 12 times out of 19 editions already contested. However, the players with the most potential belonged to other teams, such as Argentina and Ecuador. We take a look at the most special talents at one of the world’s most important youth tournaments.
Kendry Paez
The most talented player at the South American U-17 Championship with a year younger than the rest. The 15-year-old forward is already getting into the Independiente del Valle line-up. He has a great range of action: he influences in the final third, helps in build-up play and can even drop into the wide areas. He has exquisite technical quality in tight spaces, vision, creativity and a good left-footed shot.
Claudio Echeverri
Unlike Kendry, Echeverri is a player much more focused on the final third and less involved in the build-up. A lightweight playmaker with the ability to turn between the lines and link up quickly. He has the ability to exploit space and produce both goals and assists.
David Martinez
The future leader of the Venezuelan national team, a player who is already in the first division of his country. He stands out for his mobility and his ability to find spaces where he can receive free space. He moves all over the width of the attack, has a very good shot and a physique very close to that of a professional footballer. He is the main reason why we are going to see Venezuela at the next U-17 World Cup.
Thiago Helguera
If he develops properly, Helguera should be the ‘5’ of the senior Celeste in the future. He is a complete player, very intelligent when it comes to positioning himself to steal and intercept, very given to progressing in possession. A midfielder made to provide balance on and off the ball. Uruguay’s collective performance deprived us of seeing him more games, but it was enough to foresee a great potential.
Lorran
Of Brazil’s names, we consider Lorran a notch above the rest in terms of potential. He is a wide and strong player, difficult to beat in the melee. Technically he is creative with his key pass and a goal scorer when he gets close to the box. He had flashes in the Copinha, has already debuted with the first team of Flamengo and has been important in the South American U-17 alongside Matheus Ferreira, Dudu, Rayan and Kauã Elias.
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