Who is Claudio Echeverri? The 'Lionel Messi regen' heading to Man City

A prudent approach has become synonymous with Manchester City in recent years. No longer does Sheikh Mansour splurge millions into chasing glitz and glamour signings to help close the gap.

For they are now leading the pack, holding a firm grip on English football while spearheaded by Pep Guardiola. January was simply another opportunity for City to gain ground on their domestic rivals in the early days of the post-takeover era.

But there is no desperation to fix a problem which simply does not exist. Man City, arguably more than any other club in world football, runs like clockwork.

That is why their only winter arrival looks set to be River Plate wonderkid Claudio Echeverri. The 18-year-old is set to join an illustrious list of Argentine stars who have graced the Etihad turf.

Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero paved the way for a new generation, fronted by World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, to take centre stage. Now their latest Argentine player is being billed as the next Lionel Messi. Ahead of the move, Manchester World has profiled Echeverri to assess how he could improve Guardiola’s ranks.

Background

Born in Resistencia, Chaco, one of the hottest regions in Argentina, Echeverri was touted for success from a young age. He was picked up by South American giants River Plate aged 11. He first turned heads at an international youth tournament in Venice, where several top European clubs took part. Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Chelsea and Juventus sent teams to the Champions Trophy in 2017 and Echeverri made a big impression.

Just months after joining River, he bagged nine goals in six games at the seven-a-side competition. That was the first time he came on the radar of top European clubs.

Achievements

Although only playing a bit-part role, Echeverri played enough to receive a league medal last season. River won a record 39th Argentine title, finishing 11 points ahead of Talleres Cordoba. The number 10 has also made a serious impact at international level. As an under-17 player, Echeverri scored 12 goals in 20 games and helped Argentina reach the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup.

Playing style

Given the Messi comparisons, it may come as no surprise to learn Echeverri possesses incredible dribbling skills. At 5ft 7in, he is the same size as the Barcelona legend but his youth makes him a more tenacious player.

Fans have already crowned the prodigy as El Diablito, a nod to former Bolivian player Marco Etcheverry, for his “devilish” dribbling. While primarily a number 10, he can also play out wide and has, on occasion, been used as a striker.

That position - referred to as the “Enganche” role - in Argentine football has led to some of the greatest players to ever play the game and carries a burden bigger than most. With Messi’s career petering out in the United States, could the City-bound star take on the mantle?

Where would he fit in?

Upon arrival, he will have limited impact as River are set to immediately re-sign him on loan. River are set to begin the defence of their title later this month and were adamant on keeping Echeverri in the short term.

But Guardiola has proven he can nurture young players, often snubbing the loan system when developing the world’s best. Phil Foden is arguably his shining light when it comes to patiently letting a player grow into a first-team regular. Fans have watched on this season as Oscar Bobb has emerged from the ranks despite calls to send him out on loan. Perhaps Guardiola has a master plan for Echeverri once he completes his apprenticeship at River.