Facundo Pellistri was the star for Uruguay on Thursday night as they beat Bolivia 5-0 in the Copa America group stage.
Manchester United will have been watching Uruguay batter Bolivia 5-0 with glee, thanks to a goal and an assist from Facundo Pellistri.
This comes after the 22-year-old’s agent confirmed that two clubs were in contact over a move for Pellistri this summer and United are keen to sell as well.
So if he continues shining like this for his country, it’ll only increase interest and add a few million onto his price tag for United.
But it’s also excellent to see him performing so well as he deserves it after a tough few years at United. But after his performance, the Uruguayan media have been reacting to his display.
How Uruguayan media reacted to Pellistri’s goal-scoring display
As Uruguay effectively secured their progression, it was Pellistri who starred for Marcelo Bielsa and after the game, that’s exactly what the Uruguayan press have been saying.
United’s Pellistri was the player of the match, and Uruguayan outlet El Obervador scored his performance a 9/10 before praising him: “He played a spectacular first half. Not only because of the goal for 1-0, but because it was a constant scourge with his climbs. He assisted Federico Valverde in the fourth goal. Great game. He was replaced at 84 minutes.”
La Diaria Deporte then added to this by praising Pellistri as the best on the pitch: “Incisive, spicy, one of the first defenders in high pressure, one of the first facers when he recovers the ball. As if that were not enough, he had the cunning to go to a ball at the back post and, being one of the smallest in height, he put it upside down. He was the best on the pitch and the stadium applauded him standing up when he came out.”
Pellistri was also lauded by El Pais for his output: “Another one that was a little above the rest was the attacker. The right winger appeared on the back post and played head-on to put the 1-0. But beyond what was done in attack, when it was necessary he returned and even on more than one occasion he was seen marking on the back of the court. In the second half, he assisted Federico Valverde for Pajarito to score his goal.”
Pellistri wasn’t the only player United will have had an eye on in this game, with midfield target Manuel Ugarte also starting for Bielsa’s side and being handed a 7/10 by El Obervador.
How Facundo Pellistri fared against Bolivia for Uruguay
For Pellistri it was a statement-making display and his goal and assist saw him last 86 minutes before being seen off by a standing ovation.
Pellistri created two chances in the game while completing 86 per cent of his passes with 34 touches.
He only completed one dribble in the game and one cross, but his off-the-ball qualities were worth praising as he played an important role.
Pellistri completed 100 per cent of his tackles attempted, along with four defensive actions and four recoveries in the game.
He also won four duels, but lost eight however the important thing was he was in them as a winger, working hard just like Bielsa would have wanted.
There is no doubt Pellistri can be a very good footballer, so hopefully this performance shows that to teams and he gets a good move this summer.