What can fans expect from Facundo Pellistri?
Facundo Pellistri is set to make his first appearance since signing for Manchester United, when he takes to the field for the Under-23s on Friday.
The 18-year-old joined the Reds earlier this month from Uruguayan giants Penarol, and has already been on the bench for a first-team fixture – Tuesday’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.
But what can Reds expect from the youngster ahead of the clash with Everton, which is being shown live on MUTV?
Well, according to South American correspondent for World Soccer, Tim Vickery, Facundo is similar to a diminutive playmaker who enjoys legendary status on the blue side of Manchester and isn't actually a winger…
Hello, Facundo!
GalleryCheck out the first photos of new signing Facundo Pellistri at the Aon Training Complex...
“He reminds me a little bit of a young David Silva,” says Vickery.
“He’s wonderfully fluid in his play and has really good vision of the game. I’ve seen him described as a winger but he’s more of an attacking midfielder.
“He thrives in a pass-and-move game, he can get into the box as well, but it’s that balance and fluidity I like most.”
Pellistri already has a year of senior experience with Penarol under his belt, where he developed under the tutelage of former Red Diego Forlan.
Vickery notes that the teenager showed his character in the notoriously combustible Copa Libertadores, but that United supporters may have to wait a while to see him appear in the same first-team line-up as fellow countryman Edinson Cavani – who could be in line for his own club debut this weekend.
“Penarol struggled for form this year, hence Diego Forlan lost his job as coach, but Pellistri has carried the fight whenever he’s played.
“Most notably, he’s carried the fight in the Copa Libertadores – the South American Champions League – and at his tender age he’s already taken on adult responsibilities.
“I think it’s a bit soon for the first team because he’s currently very slight.
“He’s very much a work in progress; it would surprise me if he made an instant impact – he’s one for the longer term.”
You can read a more detailed profile of Pellistri, as well as guides to our other new signings, in this weekend’s edition of United Review.
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