TALENT SCOUT
Julian ALVAREZ
Age 19 (31.01.00), midfielder, River Plate & Argentina
A thoroughbred who had a frustrating time, often because he
tended to be used out wide when a central role may suit him
better. An attacking midfielder who could also feature as a
striker, he caught the eye with his ability and vision.
Jordan REZABALA
Age 19 (29.02.00),
midfielder,
Independiente del
Valle & Ecuador
Left-footed playmaker
who was full of ebullient
skill and clever changes
of rhythm. An individual
talent who played for
the team, working hard
and finding the right
pass, either in quick
one-twos or with
longer balls.Bruno MENDEZ
Age 19 (10.09.99),
defender, Wanderers
& Uruguay
Centre-back who made
his senior international
debut against Brazil in
November. Combative
and constructive captain
whose occasional lapses
were more than
outweighed by the
effectiveness of his
contribution. Set to join
Corinthians in Brazil.Age 18 (24.07.00),
striker, Barcelona
& Ecuador
The tournament’s top
scorer with six goals
and referred to by his
coach, Jorge Celico, as
the “angel of the goal”.
He led the line well but
a lack of pace could be
a problem. Comes from
an illustrious family in
both Ecuadorian sports
and politics.Christian MAKOUN
Age 18 (05.03.00),
midfielder, Juventus
(Ita) & Venezuela
Son of a former player
from Cameroon, he is
a tough centre-back
with impressive recovery
speed. His leadership
as captain could be
questioned, though,
as he failed to organise
those around him in the
team’s disastrous last
week of the campaign.Jose CIFUENTES
Age 19 (12.03.99),
midfielder, America
de Quito & Ecuador
The outstanding central
midfielder of the
tournament, he was
strong, mobile and
commanding. Strikes
the ball well and has
the capacity to see an
interesting pass. He
supplied the platform
for his team’s fluid
attacking game.
Vision...Julian Alvarez
(left) caught the eye