Claudio Echeverri opened his account for Manchester City in style by scoring a stunning free-kick in his side’s 6-0 massacre of Al Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup.
In the past, Echeverri has earned praise from Xavi Hernandez and it seems like the hype around the Argentine is justified as he looked lively down the left flank on Monday morning.
The former River Plate wonderkid’s dribbling, directness and knack of linking up with his teammates were signs that he is settling into life at the Etihad Stadium.
Sergio Aguero encouraged Echeverri to join Manchester City and judging by how gifted the 19-year-old is, Pep Guardiola would be grateful that the four-time Premier League winner raved about the club.
Manchester City FC v Al Ain FC: Group G - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola says Claudio Echeverri always practices free-kicks after Man City vs Al Ain
Claudio Echeverri could only play for 45 minutes before being taken off due to an ankle injury.
However, the first half was an indicator that Pep Guardiola could have another special young attacker on his hands apart from Rayan Cherki and Oscar Bobb.
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After Manchester City mauled Al Ain, Guardiola told DAZN Football that since signing for the Sky Blues, Echeverri has always practiced taking free-kicks in training and he tasted the fruits of his labour in his latest outing: “I want to tell you a secret: Last season, when he arrived, after every training session he practiced free-kicks alone! So always; work pays off!”
“If you score a goal, it’s because he practiced! When the other guys don’t practice, they don’t score goals.”
Pep Guardiola revealed how talented he thinks Claudio Echeverri is
For Manchester City fans, Pep Guardiola’s revelation about Echeverri would be a delight to hear after their win against Al Ain as it seems like the youngster is a hard worker.
Lyon were hoping to sign Echeverri on loan but it seems like City could very well develop the Argentina U-23 captain themselves.
After the contest, Pep Guardiola lauded how talented Echeverri is as well.
Guardiola told DAZN Football: “He is an incredible player from a small town [Resistencia], a big, big talent in small spaces and [I’m] happy for him. Great goal.”