by @RocksEndFM
Argentinian football has a tradition for mavericks. From Alfredo Di Stefano to Mario Alberto Kempes to Diego Armando Maradona to Lionel Messi, each era has had a defining Argentine diez to bring awe and joy to the public. While it is entirely too early to suggest Gianluca Prestianni is ready to join that illustrious list of names, it's not that crazy to give it some consideration.
The 17-year-old was born on January 31, 2006 (FM lists it as January 15th), and it didn’t take him long to draw widespread interest and admiration. Coming from Velez Sarsfield, one of the best academies in the country, he’s always been ahead of his age group; few things show it as clearly as his debut last year, a 4-0 thrashing of Estudiantes de La Plata in the Copa Libertadores where he featured prominently aged just 16 years old.
Since then, his growth hasn’t stopped, and he’s now a mainstay in the Velez Sarsfield starting eleven under former Perú manager (and Vélez great) Ricardo Gareca, providing the few flashes of brilliance and joy the fans have had in what has otherwise been a languid and disappointing season for the club.
While he can play across the entire front of midfield, he’s been mostly used on the wings, either on the right with his favoured right foot or inverted on the left, where he can cut inside and shoot or look for a pass in behind. With his short stature, quick feet and rapid speed, he’s already drawn some comparisons to Lionel Messi, although his potrero style play with lots of feints, cutbacks and tricks often makes me think of another Argentine maverick, Ariel Ortega.
What better proof of that than his first ever professional goal. With Vélez Sarsfield on a rare 3-0 lead against a weaker Central Cordoba, the kids were let out to play, and it was a run from Brazilian-Argentine youngster Lenny Lobato that assisted Prestianni for a clear chance. It would have been understandable if, given his age, he rushed it and hit it first-time, but instead he showed composure beyond his years. A quick feint, an enganche out of the very best Argentine street games to send the keeper packing and an even easier pass to an almost empty goal. The celebration that followed was a dream come true: he’s a Vélez Sarsfield fan through and through.
Going to FM23, he’s 15 years old on the January 2022 start date for the Argentine league (and on a Youth Contract), but he’ll be 16 in the regular European-leagues’ start of June/July and on a professional contract for the first team. Valued between 7 and 10 million Euros, depending on where you’re managing, you’re going to have to wait a bit to get him as he often prefers to continue his development at Vélez Sarsfield.
Despite his young age, however, he’s got a fairly good technique, solid mentals and is already very quick, meaning he’ll be able to contribute very soon. With 13 Dribbling, 13 Technique and 12 Pace at just 16, he’s bound to give defenders trouble off the bench, and his five star potential suggests that’s only the beginning.
In my Parma save, despite starting from a lower point in the original 23.0 DB, he has developed into quite the deadly option from the wings, although he may not reach full potential due to being stuck in the Argentine Primera Division for far too long. Still, he had six assists and two goals in his first season with us (still only 22 years old), and established himself as a regular starter on the left flank.
However, with a Winter Upgrade that undoubtedly improved him and if signed early to further develop him in the European game, you could have a world-beater on your hands.
Simply put, Gianluca Prestianni has shown to be an extraordinary talent both on the virtual and real football pitches. He is perhaps the most interesting emerging star in Argentine football (already linked with a real life move to both Barcelona and Real Madrid), and he’s has captivated fans and pundits alike with his performances so you’d be wise not to miss out on him before he inevitably makes a move to a bigger market.
Thanks for reading.
RocksEndFM is a top quality Football Manager blogger and content creator - check out his Football Manager save adventures and FM guides over at RocksEndFM.com and be sure to give him a follow on Twitter.
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