The Argentina Primera División continues to showcase exceptional young talent, and the Comparisonator Platform has identified the top-performing U23 players this season. Based on in-depth data analytics and league rankings, Valentín Gómez, Franco Ibarra, and Pablo Solari have emerged as the standout performers in their respective positions. These rising stars have demonstrated remarkable skill, consistency, and impact on the pitch, outperforming their peers with impressive statistics. Below, we delve into their individual performances and contributions to their teams.
Valentín Gómez (CB – ’03) – Vélez Sarsfield
Born in 2003, Valentín Gómez has cemented himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the league while representing Vélez Sarsfield. His defensive capabilities are unparalleled, as evidenced by his league-leading 14.2 ball recoveries per match, which ranks first among centre-backs. Not only is Gómez a master at winning back possession, but his focus on regaining control in his own half, averaging 11.9 recoveries per match, places him second in this metric. Additionally, his proactive approach to reading the game is reflected in his 4 interceptions and 6.6 counterpressing recoveries per game, both ranking him second among defenders. Gómez’s tactical awareness and defensive solidity make him a cornerstone of his team’s backline.
Franco Ibarra (DMF – ’01) – Rosario Central
Rosario Central’s Franco Ibarra, born in 2001, is proving to be an unstoppable force in the defensive midfield position. His ball recovery skills are unmatched, with a league-topping average of 12.6 recoveries per match. Ibarra’s ability to disrupt opposition play is evident in his 6.4 interceptions per match, ranking him first among defensive midfielders. On the ground, he excels in duels, with an impressive 10.1 wins per match, highlighting his dominance in contested situations. Additionally, his defensive resilience shines in his ability to win dribbles against opponents, ranking second with an average of 1.6 per match. Ibarra’s presence in midfield is a critical asset for Rosario Central.
Pablo Solari (CF – ’01) – River Plate
River Plate’s Pablo Solari, born in 2001, is emerging as a key offensive weapon in the Primera División. Operating as a centre forward, Solari leads the league in progressive runs, averaging 2 per match, showcasing his ability to drive the ball into dangerous areas. His control and effectiveness in ball carrying are unmatched, leading the league with an average of 0.4 successful carries per match. Solari also ranks first in touches within the opposition box, with 5.9 per game, consistently positioning himself as a threat near goal. His expected goals (xG) metric, ranking second at 0.3 per match, underlines his high-scoring potential. Solari’s attacking prowess is pivotal to River Plate’s success.
