The 2023 Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and Fluminense takes place on Saturday evening, with plenty of future stars set to be on display in South America’s premier tournament.
Boca and Fluminense have had rather different routes to the final. The Argentinian side have required penalty shootout victories in all three of their knockout games so far, while their Brazilian opponents this Saturday have won four and drawn two of their six legs on the way to the final.
While both squads are stacked with veterans – the likes of Marcelo, Felipe Melo and Edinson Cavani could all feature – there will be plenty of exciting young wonderkids to keep an eye on in the Libertadores final.
Here are some of the starlets to watch out for in the Libertadores final.
Andre is likely a name that Premier League fans are starting to become familiar with, especially those of Liverpool and Arsenal. The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Anfield last summer and Jurgen Klopp’s recruitment team were in contact with the Brazilian throughout the most recent transfer window.
Liverpool remain in the hunt for Andre and appear the most likely destination for him at present, possibly in January, but Arsenal have not given up hopes of tempting him with a move to north London instead.
The Gunners have identified Andre as a target to bolster their midfield and would be able to offer him Champions League football. He would, however, have to compete with £105m summer signing Declan Rice.
The two-cap Brazil international has been praised for the balance he brings to the Fluminense side, often dropping deep to pick up possession and dictate the tempo of matches. It seems Andre will be gracing the Premier League sooner rather than later, with a winter move firmly set in his sights.
At 19-years-old, Valentin Barco will probably making a move to Europe’s elite leagues shortly. The left-back, who often operates on the left-wing, has burst on to the scene in Argentina and is wanted by the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Brighton.
A player Football Manager fans will be familiar with, Barco has huge potential and his versatility down the left flank will have impressed potential suitors.
Barco has a goal and an assist in eight Copa Libertadores and has tormented opposition right-backs with his pace and quick feet. A big performance in Saturday’s final could add a nought or two to his price tag.
Another young midfielder linked with Liverpool, Ezequiel Fernandez is another who has got excited fans in Argentina. The 21-year-old has a great left foot, dictating games with his passing and incredible composure.
The holding midfielder has played his way into Jorge Almiron’s team this season and has impressed with his physicality. If the Reds don’t make a move for Andre in January, Fernandez could be an alternative option.
Fluminense’s John Kennedy has shone for Fernando Diniz’s side this season, although may not be in action from the start in the Libertadores final. The 21-year-old has three goals and four assists in the competition so far, with his energy and chaotic nature making life tough for opposition defenders.
While capable of playing across the front line, Kennedy normally lines up through the centre, sometimes alongside prolific veteran German Cano. The Brazilian may be sacrificed to give Fluminense more balance and defensive structure against Boca, but he will be a super sub for Diniz at the very least.
Arsenal have reportedly scouted Kennedy in the past, but he is probably a player that most of Europe’s top clubs are monitoring closely.
Cristian Medina is another promising midfielder currently plying his trade at La Bombonera, with the 21-year-old having featured 44 times across all competitions for Boca this season.
Medina was linked with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fiorentina during the summer and currently has a release clause of approximately £13m inserted in his current deal with the Argentinian side.
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