The world is full of young football talents. They grow up in the streets of São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Abuja or Belgrade, and the world is literally at their feet, so to speak.
In our work and research in BabaGol, we discover many players that don’t get the focus or the chance to showcase their true potential.
Juan Gafas, our ‘shadow’ scout, is back with his weekly talent.
Manfred Ugalde
Age: 18
Club: Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica)
Position: Forward
Nationality: Costa Rica
Market Value: €200,000 (Transfermarkt)
Why follow him? Recently turned 18, Ugalde already played for the national team and he is arguably the most promising youngster these days in the leagues south to Mexico and northern Colombia.
Ugalde was on fire during the beginning of the season, scoring 13 goals in the local Apertura tournament and the CONCACAF League Cup. His good performances weren't overlooked and scouts from a number of important European clubs came to watch him, so far resulting in a short period of training with Club Brugge.
Physically, he reminds me of a young Sergio Aguero, who he admires - and can probably get stronger as his idol did. Despite being short, he is effective playing the No. 9 role, stretching the opposition defence, with good movement in behind as well as inside the box, and surprisingly calm in front of goal. He can take on defenders playing wide and set up teammates playing a bit deeper. I believe he is more versatile than what has been seen so far, and it will be interesting to see in what position he will turn up playing in a couple of years.
He dreams of playing for Manchester City, but this kid still has a lot to improve before realizing even a more modest dream, moving to a smaller European club, can become a reality. In recent weeks he has been linked with Portugal giants, Benfica. Maybe Estadio do Luz will be the place for him to ply his trade.
Thumbnail photo via Deportivo Saprissa’s official Twitter account
