Pellistri shines for Uruguay

The 21-year-old was named in the starting line-up for Marcelo Bielsa’s first game in charge of the South American side, at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

Pellistri has been a regular for his national team and that looks set to continue under the guidance of the former Leeds United manager. 

The winger was involved in two of Uruguay’s four goals in a 4-1 home triumph over Nicaragua on Wednesday evening. 

Facundo’s first assist of the night came inside the opening 10 minutes, when he teed up Matias Arezo after making an undetected run at the back post. 

His second was arguably the more impressive of the two, showing his pace on the counter-attack. 

The move originated from a Nicaragua free-kick which the Urguayans were quick to shut down, breaking away swiftly. 

Picking the ball up in his own half, Facundo charged towards the 18-yard box before laying the ball off to Rodrigo Zalazar who doubled their tally before the break. 

Brian Rodriguez and Zalazar, with his second goal, made it 4-0 in the second half before Luis Coronel’s consolation goal for the visitors in stoppage time.

Pellistri could feature once again for Uruguay next week when they face Cuba in a game that kicks off at 00:30 BST on Wednesday (21 June).