Uruguay is the flavor of the season at Old Trafford in 2020-2021. After signing Edinson Cavani for a year-long deal, the Red Devils have signed another ‘wonderkid’ named Facundo Pellistri from Penarol. The deal is worth £10million for five years and with an option to extend a year further.
Pellistri: His Career so Far
He was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and was always touted for big things. Pellistri began playing under a popular football scheme named ‘baby futbol’ at the age of four. The same scheme produced many world-class footballers like Cavani, Aguero, and Luis Suarez just to name a few.
He joined his boyhood club Penarol in 2018 before which he was plying his trade at La Picada and River Plate Montevideo. He impressed the manager who is none other than former Manchester United striker, Diego Forlan in training and made his debut against Defensor Sporting in August 2019 at the age of 17.
As of now, he has made 20 appearances in all competitions. He was handed the coveted No.10 shirt for the 20-21 season. He has a goal and an assist in five Copa Libertadores appearances he has made so far.
Playing Style
He is primarily a right-winger, but capable of playing on either the left side as well. They say he is a flair player and likes to show his pace and dribbling. Pellistri boasts of excellent control of the ball and devastating turn of pace. Often linked to the likes of Argentinian prodigy Paulo Dybala and Messi.
Despite his slender physique, he is capable of holding off defenders and will trackback to help defenders.
Pellistri is expected to slot into the first team straight away after United made a mockery of pursuit for Jadon Sancho. He is an exciting prospect who can bloom but certainly not the superstar which United hoped for.
The Right-wing Conundrum
From that description, it sounds that United have signed an exciting player to play on their right-hand side. If we look at currently available options, Daniel James is a bit of hit and miss. He is yet to prove his value although he had half a good season. Juan Mata is a forcible right-winger as he clearly lacks pace and is not the same player anymore while Jesse Lingard is Jesse Lingard. While it’s a known fact that this front 3 is explosive but there is no one to replace them from the bench and hence Pellistri is a good signing at a decent value.
With Pellistri, United have found a player who is instinctive, sharp, and likes to cross. He already has a reputation for his pace and dangerous dribbling ability but Premier League is a different ball game and we have seen some great players failing.
What would have impressed Solskjaer the most would be is his mentality and work rate. Despite being a winger, it’s not uncommon to see Pellistri tracking all the way and put in a tackle on the defensive side.
As for the 2020/21 season is concerned, he remains to be an impact player as there is a lot of faith in the youngster. His pace, agility, and raw talent will be one to watch out for. He is just 18 as of now, there are signs that he will be a great player. But if he becomes or not only time will tell.
