'Ideal' - Man City's latest signing backed for big impact by cult hero

Manchester City's latest signing Claudio Echeverri by current River Plate manager Martin Demichelis.

Demichelis, who was a cult hero at the Etihad during Manuel Pellegrini's time at the club, has already made it as a successful coach after retiring, winning the Argentine league with River as one of three trophies he claimed in 2023. The former defender is also in charge of developing Echeverri, who was signed by City for an initial £12.5m in January 2024.

Echeverri was kept at River when the deal went through and the 18-year-old midfielder is expected to stay there for the next six months before a decision is made on where next to go; Julian Alvarez did similar after signing for City in January 2022.

However, Demichelis believes the teenager has made a significant leap forward in recent months and that the Etihad would be the perfect place for him to go and fulfil his potential.

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"He is passionate about this sport. That's already a great advantage," he told the City magazine. "Then, he also has great individual technique and handles the ball very well.

"That's why going to City is ideal for Claudio. There is no better team for him to continue his path to further development.

"Claudio is truly one of the great emerging talents in River's football. We have a great squad that always produces technically gifted players. However, the day-to-day whirlwind at River demands not only winning but being a protagonist in a very special way, trying to play well.

"I believe that when you leave River well-formed, you are prepared for anything. Claudio is still in the stage of evolution. He has made a very, very significant leap in recent months. Technically, he is a marvel.

"We enjoy watching him play, even at such a young age. He caught everyone's attention. We'll enjoy him for a while longer and then leave him to you."