- Boca Juniors will play Fluminense on Saturday in the Copa Libertadores Final.
- Each side has a number of promising youngsters in their respective squads
- Andre Barco and Valentin Barco are already linked to Premier League transfers
On Saturday, the 2023 Copa Libertadores Final between Boca Juniors vs Fluminense will take place. Many future stars are expected to appear in South America’s premier competition.
Boca and Fluminense took very different paths to the final. Both Boca and Fluminense have had different routes to the final.
Both teams are full of veterans, including Marcelo, Felipe Melo, and Edinson cavani. However there are plenty of young players to watch in the Libertadores Final.
Watch out for these stars in the Libertadores Final!
Andre Trindade
Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in Fluminense’s midfielder / Getty Images/GettyImages
Andre will likely be a name Premier League fans, particularly those from Liverpool and Arsenal, are beginning to recognize. Last summer, the 22-year old was strongly linked to a move from Anfield and Jurgen Klipp’s recruiting team kept in touch with him throughout the latest transfer window.
Liverpool is still in pursuit of Andre, and appears to be the most likely place for him right now, perhaps in January. However, Arsenal has not abandoned hopes that they can lure him north London.
Arsenal have identified Andre to be their target for a midfielder to strengthen the Gunners and could offer him Champions League Football. He’d have to fight for the same position as Declan Rice, who signed for PS105m this summer.
Two-cap Brazil International has been praised by the media for his ability to bring balance to Fluminense, dropping to deep positions to gain possession and control the pace of the match. Andre is likely to be in the Premier League soon, as he has a move planned for winter.
Valentin Barco
Valentin Barco impressed at the Boca left flank / Daniel Jayo/GettyImages
Valentin Barco, who is 19 years old, will likely be moving to Europe in the near future. Left-back Valentin Barco, who is often seen on the left wing, burst onto the scene of Argentina. He’s wanted now by Manchester City, Chelsea, and Brighton.
Barco is a player football manager enthusiasts will recognize. His versatility on the left side will impress potential buyers.
Barco, who has scored and assisted in eight Copa Libertadores matches, has been a terror for right-backs of the opposition with his speed and quick footwork. Barco’s price could increase if he has a good performance at Saturday’s final.
Ezequiel Fernandez
Ezequiel has captured the attention at Boca. SOPA Images/GettyImages
Ezequiel is yet another young midfielder who’s been linked to Liverpool. He has also excited fans in Argentina. Ezequiel Fernandez, 21, is a talented left-footed midfielder who dictates games through his passes and composure.
This season, the holding midfielder played his way in to Jorge Almiron’s squad and impressed him with his physique. Fernandez is an option if the Reds do not sign Andre by January.
John Kennedy
Kennedy impressed at the Copa Libertadores / Pedro H. Tesch/GettyImages
John Kennedy, a Fluminense player who has been a star for Fernando Diniz this year, may not play in the Libertadores Final. John Kennedy, a 21-year old Fluminense player who has scored three goals and provided four assists so far in the Libertadores final. His energy and chaos make it difficult for opponents to defend.
Kennedy is a versatile player who can play anywhere in the first line. He often lines up at the center, alongside the veteran German Cano. Kennedy may have to be substituted for Fluminense’s defensive balance against Boca. But he is still a great sub.
Arsenal are said to have watched Kennedy before, but it is likely that he’s a player most top European clubs will be watching closely.
Cristian Medina
Medina is flourishing under Almiron. Hernan Cortez/GettyImages
Cristian Medina, a 21-year old midfielder who has played 44 games for Boca in all competitions this season is also a promising player.
Medina’s name was mentioned in the media during the summer, along with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also has a clause for a possible release of around PS13m in his contract with the Argentinian club.
