Player Analysis: Thiago Almada

Despite a significant slump in local competitiveness and constant economic plights, the Argentine first division (currently known as the Liga Profesional de Fútbol) continues to generate interest all around the world as the search for the next up-and-coming world-beater to come from such a prolific line of production continues.

However, in recent years this once constant conveyor belt of talent has significantly dried up. As clubs have become more and more damaged by the country’s failing economy, attention has diverted from taking adequate time to develop youth players, instead favouring a quick sale that ensures short-term sustainability.

The Argentine national team serves as a damning indictment of this regression. Moving away from the scintillating generation that won both the 2005 and 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cups and reached three international finals at senior level, Argentina can only count on the likes of Lautaro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico and Rodrigo de Paul as players who are currently leaving their mark in Europe after starring in the local league first.

In fact, their most recent high-profile export, centre back Lucas Martínez Quarta, has had a difficult start to life at Fiorentina, struggling with form and discipline after years of being part of a glorious River Plate side that marched on to two straight Copa Libertadores finals, winning one against arch-rivals Boca Juniors.