Martin Demichelis has shared some insight into one player who will be joining Manchester City in the near future.
The former defender, who is now the manager of River Plate, spent three years at the Etihad Stadium between 2013 and 2016.
During his time at the Manchester club, the Argentine made 106 appearances across all competitions, winning one Premier League title along the way.
Now though, the 43-year-old has shed some light on a player he knows very well and will soon find themselves on the books at City.
Martin Demichelis says Claudio Echeverri will be a star player at Man City
Speaking in a recent interview with City for the June version of their digital magazine shared on the club’s website, Demichelis had this to say about Claudio Echeverri, who City landed a £12.5m deal for back in January, and what he’s like as a player.
He said: “Claudio is truly one of the great emerging talents in River’s football.
“We have a great squad that always produces technically gifted players. However, the day-to-day whirlwind at River demands not only winning but being a protagonist in a very special way, trying to play well.
“I believe that when you leave River well-formed, you are prepared for anything. Claudio is still in the stage of evolution. He has made a very, very significant leap in recent months.
“Technically, he is a marvel. We enjoy watching him play, even at such a young age. He caught everyone’s attention. We’ll enjoy him for a while longer and then leave him to you.”
When asked if he thinks Echeverri has what it takes to become a success at City in the short-medium term, Demichelis said this.
He said: “Absolutely. Firstly, because he is passionate about this sport. That’s already a great advantage.
“Then, he also has great individual technique and handles the ball very well. That’s why going to City is ideal for Claudio.
“There is no better team for him to continue his path to further development.”
Echeverri is an exciting talent
In 27 senior appearances for River Plate, Echeverri, who is expected to join Pep Guardiola’s squad in January, has scored three goals and delivered five assists.
With three games played in the current domestic league in Argentina, the 18-year-old has started all three of them and delivered one assist in the process.
Now that Demichelis has highlighted Echeverri’s strengths and claimed that he will be a very capable player for the Blues, this should fill a lot of City supporters with excitement.