In the final game of the final group stage of the U17 Copa America, Argentina faced Brazil. With Brazil and Ecuador on 10 points, and Argentina on 7, all 3 teams had a chance of winning it all. Given the magnitude of the game, in both current and historical context, it started out with nerves from both teams, before Brazil scored 2 in 20 minutes with the help of Riquelme Fillipi, Argentina equalised in the 55th minute but 5 minutes later Brazil regained their lead, and Argentina were unable to break through.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Claudio Echeverri
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Argentinian
- Age: 17
- Date of birth: 02/01/2006
- Club: River Plate
- Career: Deportivo Lujan (Y), River Plate (Y), River Plate
- Position: Left Wing
- Preferred foot: Right
Against Brazil Echeverri started as a left sided player with the freedom to rotate, these rotations happened when the ball was far right, he would rotate with his LW and hold width to attack the back post. Meanwhile when the ball was on his side he’d drop into midfield more often as a third midfielder. Off the ball he defended as the left striker in a 442. Echeverri is a ferocious defender, constantly pressing the opponent backline and tracking back, his pressing created a great chance for them.
Despite being a tremendous ball carrier, Echeverri lacks understanding of tempo, aside from kick offs it’s tough to recall any backward passes, most his actions are progressive, or sideways passes followed by a run into space. As a passer he doesn’t rely on having an open body orientation, which allows him to find passes most players can’t. He also takes the team’s corners from both sides and is the primary creator. When Argentina were chasing the goal he was instructed to hold width and cross. When carrying the ball, Echeverri has a tendency to overuse his right foot, which limits the spaces he can access, but his quick change of direction at high speed allows him to beat defenders. He’s a great receiver, being able to receive on the turn, high passes, or under pressure. At times he should have dropped into space to receive deep but did not. That being said, his movement in the final third is outstanding.
Echeverri is the team’s captain, on the pitch he wasn’t the most vocal, but it was clear he leads by example. He never shied away from the ball even when the pressure of the game increased. In the 38th minute, losing 2-1, Echeverri missed a really difficult chance and immediately took his frustration out on the ground. Evidently he’s a player who demands a lot from himself, and does not accept his failure.
Rating — A2
In a difficult fixture, Echeverri shouldered responsibility and performed well. His combination of movement and tenacity off the ball and his penetrative carrying and passing with the ball makes him a desirable profile. If he can learn to control the game and play to the rhythm there is no doubt about his potential.
Ian Subiabre
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Argentinian/Chilean
- Age: 16
- Date of birth: 01/01/2007
- Club: River Plate (L)
- Career: Comisión de Actividades Infantiles (Y), River Plate (L)
- Position: Right Midfield
- Preferred foot: Left
Traditionally a striker, Subiabre was deployed as a right midfielder for most of the game, moving centrally closer to Echeverri in the last 15 minutes. Despite being out of position Subiabre was one of the best performers on his team. He received the ball under pressure many times and created threatening opportunities from them. When he received under pressure he pauses and waits for the attacker to approach, as if he already knows which skill he will use to escape the press. Rarely did he hug the touchline to hold width, instead he would come inside and vacate the wing for the right back. This is likely due to his lack of pace which would serve as a disadvantage on the wing.
With his passing he was able to create a few chances, as he’s comfortable with both feet and a master at disguise. On multiple occasions he signalled that he was going to cross inside through his body orientation and eyes, before playing the late pass to the overlapping fullback. Although later on in the game when he moved inwards he lacked that same disguise. When passing on the left side he seemed limited to passes out wide, and those passes were easily readable. His dribbling was choppy, as he would attempt to dribble at top speed like a winger which resulted in bad touches. When standing his touch is adequate with his left and subpar with his right. That being said he did have more than one sequence where he dribbled past 3 and attacked the goal. Subiabre was taken off in the 80th minute.
Rating — B1
The biggest obstacle in Subiabre’s path is his position. He has the qualities of a midfielder, wants to play up top, but is played out wide. If he improves his touch he can become a great controller. Against Brazil he showed both intelligence in possession and a potential X Factor if he can develop his final action.