He is one for the long term - and for the short term as Athletico strive to get through the round of 16 of the Libertadores.īenfica did a wonderfully smart piece of business with Enzo Fernandez, acquiring him from River Plate in Argentina, making brief but good use of him and then transferring him on in a Premier League record deal to Chelsea. After starring in the South American Under-20 championship at the start of the year he has already played for Brazil's senior side. With strength, speed and precision in his finishing, Roque can lead the attacking line from the middle of the field. Centre-forwards have not been so plentiful. In recent times Brazil have produced more quality wide strikers than they can accommodate on the national team. What makes Roque so exciting is that he is a genuine centre-forward. He was not released for the Under-20 World Cup, and if he does indeed move on in a few months, he will hope to lead Athletico safely through to the knockout rounds of the Libertadores. He is their player they want to get full value in the Libertadores and the domestic league. Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)Īlthough early season evidence has been overwhelming, Athletico are dependent on their burly teenage centre-forward. Indeed, Athletico had imagined that his visibility and his transfer fee would rise further. The expectation is that he will sign with a Premier League giant in the summer transfer window. It is hard to imagine him playing in this year's final, even if Athletico make it all the way. Last year, at the age of 17, Vitor Roque played in the final of the Libertadores when Athletico Paranaense went down to Flamengo in an all-Brazilian clash. So far these have been some of the most impressive youngsters, a couple who are rebuilding their careers, and a pair of veterans enjoying a moment in the sun. The current version of the competition is halfway through the group stage, with round four kicking off on Tuesday. Vitor Roque, Ezequiel Fernandez among the next Libertadores stars who'll soon be in Europeįrom Vinicius Junior to Julian Alvarez, countless South American stars cut their teeth in the Copa Libertadores. Tim Vickery, South America correspondent You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser
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