Player Talent Scout: Facundo Pellistri

Uruguay are arguably the most over achieving footballing country in the world with 2 World Cups and 15 Copa America titles an incredible return for a nation with a population of less than 3.5 million people.

They have exported some of European football’s biggest stars this century with Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin, and Diego Forlan all becoming household names around the world.

The Uruguayan conveyor belt shows no signs of slowing down with Lucas Torreira, Robert Bentancur, Jose Gimenez, Maxi Gomez and Federico Valverde all establishing themselves at top European clubs.

Peñarol winger Facundo Pellistri could be the next in line to make the leap from Uruguay to the Champions League, with the 18 year-old linked this week with a move to Real Madrid.

Pellistri has made 21 appearances for Peñarol where his manager is none other than Diego Forlan himself. The pacy winger is known for his work rate and has that drive and fight that many Uruguayan’s seem to possess.

Previously linked with Atletico Madrid, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Manchester City and Napoli, Real Madrid are considered favourites for his signature having built up a good relationship with the Montevideo club when they signed Fede Valverde from Peñarol in 2016.

Pellistri would join other South American prospects at the Bernabéu like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Reinier as Real Madrid look to refresh their squad with some of the world’s biggest prospects and build a world class squad of the future.