by Manchester City checked the physical form of Claudio Echeverri after the first impressive departure of the teenager for the club was interrupted by injury.
The 19-year-old was delighted with an offensive role and marked a free kick while the city was beating Al Ain d’Abu Dhabi 6-0 in Atlanta to secure its place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
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However, the Argentinian, who did not make his debut in the FA Cup final last month after his arrival from River Plate in January, was forced to half a time with a twisted ankle.
It was a disappointing end for a promising performance and which suggested that the young person could have a role to play in the Guardiola remodeling team in the coming season.
Guardiola said that Acheverri was “a little painful” and was to be replaced at the interval.
The city boss said: “That’s why he couldn’t continue, but he is an incredible player – a big and big talent in small spaces – and I’m happy for him.”
Guardiola then praised ethics and dedication of Echeverri work.
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He said: “Since his arrival, in the three or four months with us, at the end of the training sessions, he practiced free kicks with the goalkeeper, the wall and alone. The others did not practice.
“He practiced and trained and the work is paying at the end. The more you train, the more likely you have. It was a fantastic goal. “
Echeverri made its debut in town during the FA Cup final (Nick Potts / PA)
The goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was also impressed by the performance of Echeverri, comparing him to another Argentinian striker in the former player of the city and winner of the World Cup Julian Alvarez.
Ortega, who took the place of Ederson while Guardiola made 11 modifications for the second group G Game G, said: “He is a good lessee (free). He saw the gap in the wall and used it.
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“He reminds me a little Julian Alvarez, the same type of player, his finish is incredible.
“He’s a very good guy, a little shy at first, but I think he can help us a lot.”
Another player to attract the attention of the city walk was the left back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who received his debut after his move of 31 million pounds from Wolves earlier this month.
Rayan Ait-Nouri also shone during his start in town (Brynn Anderson / AP)
Guardiola said, “Wow. He had to defend himself in a rear four, then make a rear five and he played really, really good.
“It is not for the first time. It was his first match (city) but he played in the Premier League for many years.
“He can help us play in this role outside, but then had to play as a midfielder.
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“He is so intelligent in the last third, making the right decisions to create more spaces. I’m really happy for the game he played.”
Rico Lewis had its extended ban (Mike Egerton / PA)
City, meanwhile, failed in a call against the duration of the defender Rico Lewis for his dispatch against Wydad Casablanca last Wednesday.
Lewis, which has been shown a right red card after caught Samuel Obeng opposite in a sliding challenge at the end of the 2-0 victory in Philadelphia, made his automatic match for a match were extended to three games from the organizer of the FIFA tournament.
Lewis, who attended the Al Ain competition, will now miss the last game of group G against Juventus and the city’s draw.
