Nico De La Cruz has opened up on his admiration for English football amid speculation suggesting the River Plate midfielder could be on his way to Everton in a £19 million deal, while speaking during an Instagram Q&A.
Pep Guardiola is not the only Premier League manager keen on a fleet-footed number ten with a penchant for stunning free-kicks.
According to Ole, Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton have expressed an interest in bringing De La Cruz to Goodison Park over the summer, with a £19 million release clause opening up the door for the South American starlet to swap Argentina for Britain.
A dynamic and creative attacking midfielder, De La Cruz contributed ten goals and assists in 18 Superliga games, with his rapid rise leaving River boss Marcelo Gallardo stunned.
“Nico De La Cruz is going through an incredible moment,” Gallardo told InfoBae.
“He is a player who has matured a lot. It was difficult for him to assimilate that demand from the club but today he is consolidated. Let’s hope he continues like this.”
While most players are usually keen to avoid fanning the flames when asked about a change of clubs, De La Cruz had no qualms about pointing out that he is a paid-up member of the Premier League fan club.
“I like English football a lot. (It is a) very competitive league,” he said. “(But) today I cannot tell you what is going to happen.”
Alongside Fede Valverde and Facundo Pellistri, De La Cruz is part of a new generation of exciting, technically gifted Uruguayan midfielders.
The days of ankle-snapping tackles and ‘Garra’ spirit may not be gone just yet. But at least the South American nation are starting to produce players who are a little more easy on the eye.
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