Independiente del Valle’s academy is among the most famous academies in South America.
Many of its graduates playing in the national team and good levels around the world. We presented two of these talents before, Alan Franco and Moises Caicedo. But it is not only about the biggest talents, those who are straight away winning a place in the national team and sign with bigger clubs, as many good players are coming out from IDV’s academy to play around the continent.
Some will have a decent career, and some may even make their breakthrough in the future, to catch up with those who shined in earlier stages. Today’s player is one of these players.
Washington Corozo
Age: 22
Club: Sporting Cristal (Peru)
Position: Winger
Nationality: Ecuador
Market Value: 525.000 € (Transfermarkt)
Why follow him? Corozo is a player who immediately stands out when watching Sporting Cristal, for the threat he poses on the opposition both on and off the ball. He scored six goals and assisted six more for his side in the recently finished Apertura.
While a regular member in the youth national teams, in IDV the competition was fierce and he had difficulties keeping his place in the starting line-up. He often played as a starter but lacked consistency in his playing time which probably hurt his development. No wonder he was sold to Peruvian Sporting Cristal at the beginning of the year, and from what I’ve seen adapted quickly helping the club.
Corozo is an attacking winger, playing more as a wide forward at times, constantly attacking the box with and without the ball. He uses his pace to offer penetration and in transition, stretching the opposition defence, keeping it alert to his movement from wide areas and throw the middle in behind. On his good days, he is a handful even before getting on the ball.
He has good skills when on the ball too; he can take on defenders, using his pace and change of speed, down the line to cross or cutting inside from the left to use his favoured right. He often creates for his side, setting-up teammates in good scoring chances both from open play and set pieces. Watching Crystal recent games, it seems he should have a few more assists to his name.
As you can expect from an IDV graduate, Corozo has a complete set of skills for an attacking player; He is a pacy athletic wide player, with good technical skills, composure in the final third to take the right decision and a threat on and off the ball. While not as promising as others, I’m certain we will soon see him at higher levels.
Photo via Meridian Bet Sport.
