Alejandro Garnacho has starred in Manchester United’s youth teams this season, but I don’t think anyone expected him to receive a call-up to the senior Argentina side this soon.
The 17-year-old has yet to make his United debut but after helping guide the young Reds to a place in the FA Youth Cup final, but he could represent the South American giants later this week after being named in Lionel Scaloni’s side for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
It’s an amazing achievement for the academy star to be called up to the national team at such a young age.
However, Garnacho was born in Spain, meaning he is also eligible to represent La Roja.
It is believed that he is among a list of teenagers to be recommended for selection after scouting work by Juan Tassi.
“I have duel nationality, so this is a unique opportunity for me,” Garnacho told club media, as cited by the Manchester Evening News. “I’m looking forward to the moment and make the most of it. I was born in Madrid, but my mother is Argentine, as is her entire family, and it will be an honour to be able to represent Argentina.
“Justin [Cochrane] and Darren Fletcher are two members of the club who are always very attentive to me, supporting me in all kinds of decisions. And outside the club is Javier Mascherano, who is Argentina’s Under-20 coach. Since they were interested in me two or three months ago, they have always been very attentive, worrying about me. He is very attentive, and I am very grateful.”
This season he has managed 15 goals and six assists across all age groups, including five goals in five games in the FA Youth Cup.
Now he gets to train with Lionel Messi.
He added: “I have always dreamed of sharing a team with stars of this level, and of learning a lot from them.
“It is a dream to be able to share a team with some of the idols of my childhood, so I am going to take advantage of it to improve [as a footballer]. Likewise, I am always very motivated, because I am doing what I like, which is playing football.”
Hopefully Garnacho gets to make his debut in the upcoming fixtures against Venezuela or Ecuador.
