Top 10 Rising Argentinian Talents to Watch

The world of football is constantly evolving, with new Argentinian talents emerging every year, ready to make their mark on the sport

Argentina has a rich history of producing world-class footballers, and the future looks bright with the current crop of young talents. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 rising Argentinian football talents aged 20 to 22 to watch, showcasing their skills, achievements, and potential for greatness.

1. Carlos Alcaraz (Age: 22, Flamengo)

Carlos Alcaraz is a formidable talent for Flamengo, renowned for his strong crossing, dribbling, passing, and defensive skills. His proficiency in aerial duels, through balls, long shots, direct free-kicks, and ball retention underscores his versatility.

As an advanced playmaker, Alcaraz consistently influences games with his creativity and precision. His standout performances have earned him notable rankings: 2nd in Most Valuable Players in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, 7th in Best Players in the same league, and 15th among Most Valuable Argentine Players. Alcaraz’s well-rounded abilities make him an invaluable asset to Flamengo’s squad and a player to watch.

2. Santiago Simon (Age: 22, River Plate)

Santiago Simón is an Argentinian right midfielder who currently plays for River Plate. Known for his excellent passing, ball retention, and ability to deliver key passes, Simón is a vital asset to his team.

He excels in maintaining possession and creating opportunities, making him a standout player in the midfield. However, his crossing ability is considered a weakness. Simón’s playing style is characterized by his preference for short passes, which allows him to efficiently link up play and support his teammates. His Argentinian talents make him a reliable player, even though there is room for improvement in his crossing.

3. Juan Ignacio Cardoni (Age: 22, Racing Club)

Juan Ignacio Cardoni is a versatile midfielder born in Santa Fe. He has excelled in Union de Santa Fe’s youth teams and has started making his mark in the first team. Cardoni’s versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, both defensively and offensively.

His knack for scoring crucial goals and his ability to adapt to different game situations make him a player to watch. As he gains more experience, Cardoni is expected to develop into a well-rounded midfielder with a promising future. In January 2023, Cardoni made a move to Racing Club, where he continues to showcase his Argentinian talents and contribute to the team’s success.

4. Facundo Farias (Age: 22, Inter Miami)

Facundo Farias, a promising winger from Santa Fe, has been a key player for Colon. Known for his pace, dribbling skills, and attacking prowess, Farias has the ability to change the game with his creativity and flair.

His performances have caught the eye of scouts from top clubs, and he is expected to make a significant impact in the coming years. Farias’ ability to take on defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset for any team. In July 2023, Farias signed with Inter Miami, where he continues to showcase his Argentinian talents and contribute to the team’s success.

5. Gino Infantino (Age: 21, Al Ain FC)

Gino Infantino is a young forward from Rosario who has shown great promise at Rosario Central. As a natural goal-scorer, Infantino’s positioning and finishing abilities have been impressive. His performances in youth competitions have earned him a place in the first team, where he continues to make a name for himself.

Infantino’s potential to become a top forward is evident, and he is expected to attract interest from clubs looking for a prolific striker. In October 2024, Infantino joined Al Ain FC on a season-long loan from Fiorentina, where he continues to showcase his Argentinian talents and contribute to the team’s success.

6. Martin Luciano (Age: 21, Godoy Cruz FC)

Martin Luciano, a forward from Rosario, has been emerging as a key player for Newell’s Old Boys. His keen eye for goal and sharp finishing make him a constant threat to defenders. Luciano’s intelligent movement in the final third and his ability to find the back of the net have been impressive.

As he continues to develop his skills, Luciano is expected to rise through the ranks and become a top forward in Argentinian football. In August 2023, Luciano joined Godoy Cruz FC on loan from Newell’s Old Boys, where he continues to showcase his Argentinian talents and contribute to the team’s success.

7. Valentin Gomez (Age: 21, Velez Sarsfield)

Valentín Gómez is an Argentinian center back currently playing for CA Vélez Sarsfield. Born on June 26, 2003 in San Miguel, Buenos Aires, Gómez boasts an impressive skill set with a 65.7% tackle success rate, 65.1% aerial duel success rate, 45.2% long ball accuracy, and 66.7% successful dribble rate.

He joined Vélez Sarsfield on January 1, 2022, and his contract, last extended on March 14, 2024, runs until December 31, 2026. Gómez’s defensive prowess and consistency make him a key player for his team, and he continues to show great promise for the future.

8. Facundo Buonanotte (Age: 20, Leicester City)

Facundo Buonanotte is a creative attacking midfielder from Rosario, making waves at Rosario Central. His excellent playmaking abilities and vision have been key to his team’s attacking play. Buonanotte’s ability to provide key assists and create scoring opportunities has been impressive.

Buonanotte’s excellent acceleration allows him to swiftly change direction, leaving defenders in his wake. A visionary playmaker, he excels in making killer passes and creating scoring opportunities for teammates.

His pace and movement make him a constant threat on the counterattack. Adaptable to different systems, he thrives in a free attacking role, intelligently finding space and making a significant impact in the final third.

9. Alan Velasco (Age: 22, FC Dallas)

Alan Velasco is a dynamic Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS). Renowned for his dribbling skills, Velasco showcases excellent technique and versatility on the field.

His ability to take long shots and deliver precise crosses makes him a significant offensive threat. Additionally, Velasco’s defensive contributions highlight his well-rounded nature as a player.

Velasco’s playing style is marked by his preference for long balls, shooting from a distance, and playing the ball off the ground often. He is known for his penchant for cutting inside and his eagerness to tackle. This adaptability allows him to play effectively as both a winger and a central playmaker, exploiting defenses with his quickness, technique, and audacity on the ball.

10. Tomas Jacob (Age: 20, Newell’s Old Boys)

Tomas Jacob is a versatile forward from Rosario, making his mark at Newell’s Old Boys. Known for his knack for scoring goals and ability to play in various attacking roles, Jacob has been impressive in youth competitions.

His intelligent movement and sharp finishing make him a constant threat to defenders. As he gains more experience, Jacob is expected to develop into a well-rounded forward with a bright future.