Introduction:
Argentina has a rich history of producing some of the best football players globally, from Lionel Messi to Diego Maradona. The country continues to breed new talent, and one upcoming star to keep a close eye on is Exequiel Palacios. The 22-year-old midfielder has been making waves in the Argentine Primera Division and the national team. In this blog post, we will discuss why Exequiel Palacios is a rising star to watch out for in 2021.
Early Life and Career
Exequiel Palacios was born in Argentina in 1998 and began his professional career as a football player in 2015 when he joined the River Plate youth academy. After four years of developing his skills, he made his first-team debut in 2018, where he impressed with his technical ability and versatility to play in different midfield positions. This performance quickly caught the eye of national team coaches, and he made his debut the same year.
Playing Style and Strengths
Palacios’s playing style is often compared to former Argentina midfielder Fernando Redondo, with his smooth dribbling ability, accurate passing, and tactical awareness. His strength lies in his ability to read the opponent’s movement and intercept passes, which makes him a vital player in the midfield. He also has a good goal-scoring record, making him an all-rounded midfielder.
National Team Performance
Palacios’s first national team call-up came in 2019, where he played his first game against Venezuela. Since then, he has featured regularly in the team, most notably in the 2019 Copa America, where he helped Argentina reach the semi-finals. His performances have impressed the national team coaches, and he is expected to feature in the upcoming 2021 Copa America.
Transfer Rumours
Palacios’s impressive performances at River Plate have not gone unnoticed, and many European clubs have shown interest in securing his services. His name has been linked with some of Europe’s top teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint Germain. However, the player recently signed with Bayer Leverkusen, a Bundesliga team, for a €15 million transfer fee.
Stats and Records
In his three years as a River Plate player, Palacios played 53 league games and scored six goals, making him one of the team’s consistent performers. He also helped the team win the Copa Libertadores in 2018, and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2019. His impressive record at such a young age puts him in good stead to achieve more success in the future.
Current Form
Palacios has been in excellent form for Bayer Leverkusen since his transfer, where he has played 29 games and scored two goals. His versatility has been vital to the team, making him an essential player in their push for higher honours. His performances for the club have also caught the attention of the Argentine national team coach, and he is expected to feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Achievements and Awards
Palacios’s impressive display on the football pitch has earned him some individual awards. He was named “Player of the Tournament” in the 2019 South American U-20 Championship and also the “Revelation of the Tournament” in the 2018 Copa Libertadores. His performances in these competitions have confirmed his status as one of the best young players in the Argentine Primera Division.
Future Prospects
With the continuous improvement in his playing style and performances, the future prospects for Palacios are bright. He is expected to feature heavily for Bayer Leverkusen and the Argentine national team, helping them achieve higher honours. His well-rounded playing style and tactical awareness mean that he could potentially become one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Conclusion
Palacios is one of the most promising young talents in Argentine football. His tactical awareness, accurate passing, and smooth dribbling make him a versatile player who can play in different midfield positions. He has already achieved considerable success in his career, and with more years playing at the highest level, he is set to become one of the world’s best midfielders.
FAQs:
Q1. Who is Exequiel Palacios?
A1. Exequiel Palacios is a 22-year-old Argentine football player who plays for Bayer Leverkusen and the Argentine national team.
Q2. Which position does Palacios play?
A2. Palacios is a versatile midfielder who can play in different positions in midfield.
Q3. Which team did Palacios play for before joining Bayer Leverkusen?
A3. Palacios played for River Plate before joining Bayer Leverkusen.
Q4. Has Palacios won any awards?
A4. Yes, Palacios has won several awards, including the “Player of the Tournament” in the 2019 South American U-20 Championship and the “Revelation of the Tournament” in the 2018 Copa Libertadores.
Q5. Which teams are interested in Palacios?
A5. Several European teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint Germain are rumored to be interested in Palacios, but he recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen.