But now, a different young player has shown why he may be an exciting addition to Guardiola’s squad with an impressive display for his nation. This kid is expected to join the city squad in the upcoming weeks.
Savio leaves out Brazil’s impressive performance in the most recent Copa America match.
Savio, whom Fabrizio Romano claimed on his X account back in February City had agreed to sign, began and played the whole 72 minutes in Brazil’s recent 4-1 Copa America victory over Paraguay before being substituted by Raphinha.
After Vinicius Junior had opened the score just eight minutes earlier, the winger doubled his team’s lead in the 43rd minute with his first senior goal for Brazil.
Furthermore, Savio successfully completed all 18 passes that he tried and even made two tackles, demonstrating his effectiveness both with and without the ball.
The 20-year-old’s performance finally earned him an overall match rating of 7/10 from SofaScore, which is higher than ratings given to players like Rodrygo (6.7/10) and Bruno Guimaraes (6.9/10).
Savio might be a dynamic member of the city team.
Considering that, along with the fact that the Brazilian played in 37 La Liga games for Girona last season, scoring nine goals and dishing out ten assists, it is evident that Savio is a very skilled striker, even at such a young age.
Together with his goals and assists in Spain the previous season, the winger finished the campaign with the most number of carries into the penalty area (80), goal-generating plays (25), and successful take-ons (104) among the Girona players.
Now that Savio has proven to be a goal-scoring threat for Brazil, we believe Guardiola should be thrilled about the possibility of having Savio in his city team for the upcoming campaign.
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Argentina, Brazil, and other South American powerhouses are bringing their top squads to North America, with some incredible young talent set to be on display, many of whom are playing in their first major tournament.
Here are the best wonderkids and young players to watch at Copa América CONMEBOL 2024:
12. Ricardo Pepi (United States)
American striker, Ricardo Pepi, had his breakthrough season with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. The 21-year-old forward scored 9 goals and assisted 3 times, including two Champions League goals. Pepi has very much made a name for himself in the Eredivisie with his goal-scoring exploits and movement off the ball. His finishing ability and potential to lead the line make him one of the most exciting young players to watch at Copa América 2024.
11. Alan Minda (Ecuador)
Alan Minda is a wonderkid who is going under the radar in the Belgian Pro League. The quick Ecuadorian winger impressed for Cercle Brugge in 23/24 with 8 goals and 6 assists, and will be one of the key players in Ecuador’s attack at Copa América.
10. Jhon Durán (Colombia)
Colombia’s 20-year-old striker, Jhon Durán, was overshadowed by the clinical Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa in the 23/24 season. But Durán netted 5 times in the Premier League, including some late winners, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net under pressure. Durán will be hoping to announce himself on the international stage for Colombia at Copa América 2024.
9. Yan Couto (Brazil)
Manchester City’s exciting young right-back spent last season on loan with LALIGA side Girona, impressing with 8 assists in 34 league matches. Couto has gained valuable experience on loan, known for his overlapping runs and ability to make recoveries in the defensive third. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a player to keep an eye on at the 2024 Copa América CONMEBOL.
8. Darío Osorio (Chile)
Winger Darío Osorio has come a long way since he was playing football in the lower tiers of the Chilean football laddy. In 2023, Osorio, 20, joined the Danish Superliga side, FC Midtjylland, whose academy is renowned for developing wonderkids.
Osorio has been a standout performer in Denmark, known for his dribbling and goal-scoring from wide areas. His offensive prowess and creativity on the wing will be crucial for Chile in the United States this summer.
7. Lucas Beraldo (Brazil)
PSG and Brazil centre-back, Lucas Beraldo, is emerging as one of the best defenders of his age. The 20-year-old has been solid for PSG after joining from São Paulo, demonstrating strong defensive skills and composure under pressure. With 5 Champions League appearances under his belt, his ability to anchor the defence could be key for Brazil’s chances at Copa América. Especially with Thiago Silva being left out of Dorival Júnior’s squad.
6. Valentín Carboni (Argentina)
19-year-old Argentine midfielder, Valentín Carboni, has shown glimpses of his potential in Serie A. His excellent ball distribution and vision saw him become the centre-piece of Monza’s midfield, where he spent the season on loan from Inter. His creativity and ability to control the game from midfield could add an extra dimension to Argentina’s system, with La Scaloneta hoping to bring home the Copa América title once more.
5. Sávio (Brazil)
Brazil’s Sávio (or Savinho) spent the 23/24 season playing for LALIGA overperformers Girona, on loan from Troyes who are also owned by the City Football Group. Rumoured to be on the cusp of moving to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Sávio will be hoping to make a statement at his Copa América debut. The winger has been making waves in Europe with his dazzling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities, making him one of the most exciting young players to watch at Copa América 2024.
4. Piero Hincapié (Ecuador)
Central defender, Piero Hincapié, has established himself as a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, known for his solid defensive skills and ability to play out from the back. Hincapié, 22, is renowned for his defensive solidity which will be crucial for Ecuador’s chances to progress in the tournament.
3. Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina)
Garnacho has impressed at Manchester United with his explosive pace, ability to beat defenders and fearless style. With his creativity and flair, Garnacho could be a game-changer for Argentina from the bench. And after scoring a goal worthy of winning the Puskas Awards, the 19-year-old will be hoping to deliver in big moments at his first Copa América.
2. Kendry Páez (Ecuador)
There has been a buzz around Kendry Páez for a few years now despite still only being 17 years old. The Independiente del Valle wonderkid midfielder is finally set for a big move to the Premier League, he will join Chelsea in 2025. Páez has been turning heads with his performances in the Ecuadorian league. Despite his young age, he has shown remarkable maturity and technical ability. His vision and passing can unlock defences, making him one of the most exciting prospects in South American football and one of the best wonderkids to watch at Copa América.
1. Endrick (Brazil)
Palmeiras and soon-to-be Real Madrid wonderkid, Endrick, has been nothing short of sensational in a Brazil shirt since making his international debut. Scoring in back-to-back international friendlies against England and then Spain, Endrick is replicating his youth international form at the top level.
The NXGN 2024 runner-up has already drawn comparisons to some of Brazil’s greatest forwards. The 17-year-old’s goal-scoring prowess and ability to perform in big matches make him the must-watch wonderkid at Copa América 2024.
This ranking highlights the best young talents set to shine at the Copa América 2024. Keep an eye on these players as they look to make their mark on one of football’s biggest stages.
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