There are two distinct, and very different, types of Argentine forward.
On one hand, you have the majesty and the magic of Lionel Messi, a man who can transform an often brutal contact sport into an effortless ballet with one swish of that imperious left boot.
On the other, you have Carlos Tevez – a snarling, chest-thumping striker who, when entering ‘beast mode’ territory, would happily sacrifice blood, sweat and tears for three simple points.
Velez Sarsfield wonder-kid Thiago Almada, it seems, shares a lot more in common with the former than the latter.
“Almada is much more technical (than Tevez ever was),” Eduardo Hernandez, who has coached both players in his career, told Clarin.
“Carlitos always stood out for his delivery and his desire. But with the ball, Thiago is better.”
As you might expect from a fleet-footed 20-year-old who idolises Messi, Maradona and Juan Roman Riquelme, all the while catching the eye of the ultimate purist that is Pep Guardiola, Almada is a player more renowned for his technique than his tenacity.
Yet the 20-year-old will need a healthy dose of both attributes if he is to fulfil his vast potential under the deceptively forceful presence that is Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners have their heart set on signing another South American wonder-kid, less than a year after tying up a deal for ‘talent of the century’ Gabriel Martinelli.
MD adds that Almada has a release clause of just £20 million which is due to expire in August. If Arsenal are serious about signing a player who has worn that often back-breaking ‘new Messi’ tag with pride, they will have to move quick.
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