In this series, we take a look at some of the most interesting young talents in the world of football. Next up is CA Colón’s 19-year old attacking midfielder Facundo Farías

Without a single major title in their 116-year history, it was a truly momentous occasion when Club Atlético Colón defeated Racing Club to lift the Copa de la Liga in June. Few could argue the Sabalero didn’t deserve it, topping their group with ease and sweeping past both Avellaneda giants in the semi-finals and final.

For many of Eduardo Domínguez’s side it was, and is likely to be, the crowning moment in their careers but for at least one young player the tournament proved to be something of a coming-out party. Facundo Farías may have seen his opportunity to shine in the final dashed by a positive Covid-19 test but the teenager had already done more than enough to establish himself as one of the most exciting youngsters in Argentina.

Facundo Farías' Player Report on Wyscout.

Veteran cult hero Luis Pulga Rodríguez rightly stole the plaudits as the top goalscorer yet his partnership with Farias was crucial. Farías’ two goals and four assists in the Copa were rewarded for his bustling, high-intensity output that helped unsettle opponents and create space for teammates.

And if evidence were needed that this was no flash in the pan Pulga’s subsequent switch to Gimnasia has allowed Farías to truly emerge as Colón’s key man in attack.

Facundo Farías' shooting chart - Wyscout Player Report.

While his increased tally of three goals already this season might be a little misleading given Farías has taken on penalty duties, his attacking involvement has overall has gone up. More shots (2.2 per 90 from 1.5 in the Copa), far more touches (44.1 from 29.5) and more dribbles (3.6 from 1.5); the co-star is now the leading man.

As seen in Farías’ shot map (above) there is a huge variety to the forward’s attempts on goal by virtue of his positional flexibility. Not yet a ‘nine’, no longer a ‘ten’ while willing and capable to drift wide onto either wing, there is more than a passing resemblance to a young Carlos Tevez in the way the 19-year-old buzzes across the pitch in search of the ball.

Farías’ 44.12% shots on target and 0.58 xG + xA put the Colón forward among the Argentine league’s top performers and for a young player arguably yet to truly find his position it bodes well. All the more impressive given Farías only makes 3.24 touches in the penalty area in 2021, far lower than a number of other attackers in Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol.

Powerfully built and hard working Farías is more than capable of leading a high press and seems to relish the physical side of the game.

Applying the pressure and using his body to buffer defenders, Farías wins the ball, protects possession and generally makes a nuisance of himself to great effect.

And although Farías’ fixed position is a little difficult to tie down, as Colón’s predominantly most advanced forward he is also able to stretch play and use his pace behind.

Often in these positions, Farías’ dribbling ability and close control is evident, where his quick change of direction and balance allow him to skip away from challenges.

It’s these qualities that further illustrate his positional flexibility and allow Farías to roam and have an impact in deeper, more congested areas of the pitch.

7.72 dribbles and 2.91 progressive runs per 90 Farías is able to get Colón moving forward and the speed with which the Sabalero transition has been a key element to their success of the past year.

The ability to carry the ball at pace off either flank combined with Farías eye for a pass means the Santafesino can turn creator as much as goalscorer.

His positional awareness of teammates and timing of the pass are a real weapon and although Farías manages only 2.64 passes to the final third and 1.83 to the penalty area, this is a number that you feel could be far higher in a team with greater attacking options ahead of the youngster and one that enjoyed greater spells of possession in the opposition half.

Aside from these technical skills that have marked Farías as a real talent, there is a mental side of his game that should serve him well too.

Still a teenager, Farías has had no problem shouldering the responsibility of being Colón’s main attacking outlet and has grown in stature since the departure of the experienced Luis Miguel Rodríguez.

This season Farías has been designated the club’s penalty taker and scored all three (100% success) seemingly unfazed by the pressure.

A multi-million dollar move to MLS club Orlando City looked close a few weeks ago and while Farías would likely take that next challenge with relative ease, the potential ceiling of Colón’s jewel could put on a level above that of a move to North America.

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