The U-20 South American Championship in Venezuela started on Thursday, as the most promising young players in Conmebol football chase a spot in the 2025 Chile FIFA U-20 World Cup in September. 

With Argentina’s national team — coached by Diego Placente — set to debut against Brazil on Friday, here are the players to keep an eye out for.

Claudio Echeverri — Manchester City (England)

At this stage, Claudio Echeverri is as much of a household name in international youth football as it’s possible to be. The River Plate prodigy led Argentina to a respectable semifinals appearance in the 2023 U-17 World Cup, with a hat-trick against Brazil in the quarters. 

A key part of the Millonario squad for Martín Demichelis initially and Marcelo Gallardo later, he wrapped the 2024 season with four goals and six assists in 41 games. He joined Manchester City earlier this month, and it remains to be seen how he’ll adapt to the European game.

Alex Woiski — Mallorca (Spain)

A lesser-known quantity than River’s wonderkid but no less talented, Woiski was born in Spain, like other recent Albiceleste stars such as Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolás Paz. He’s entitled to represent Argentina thanks to his mother’s Argentine citizenship.

A talented striker with agile dribbling skills and a knack for a goal, he’s reportedly scored over 500 goals for Mallorca’s youth teams, although he’s yet to make his debut for the first team. 

He represented Argentina at the L’Alcudia youth tournament, fulfilling a promise he made to another Mallorca fan favorite, Lionel Scaloni: “You’ll see me with the Albiceleste.”

Santiago Andino — Godoy Cruz

Talent in the U-20 isn’t all to be found abroad. Santiago Andino had his breakthrough season in 2024, playing for the club he grew up cheering for. 

A nimble left winger, he excels in one-on-one situations, where he uses his quick feet and pace to slip past defenders, or draw contact to get a foul call. He’s also a good goalscorer, cutting in with his right foot to open up shooting opportunities.

He wrapped up 2024 with four goals and three assists in 31 games, and could impress even more this upcoming season.

Maher Carrizo — Vélez Sarsfield

The defending Argentine champions have a track record of developing young stars, including Thiago Almada and Santiago Castro, and Maher Carrizo is the latest.

An Argentine youth teams regular, Carrizo showcased his quality in the 2024 Liga Profesional, when he impressed enough to earn a spot in the starting lineup as Vélez won the title. 

Able to play on the wings or up front, the 18-year-old from Santiago del Estero cuts a lanky figure at 1.80m. Don’t be deceived, however: he’s seriously quick and can dribble past any defender.

Julio Soler — Bournemouth (England)

Defending so all that attacking flair can flourish will be Julio Soler. The former Lanús defender was born in Asunción, and could have played for Paraguay. Instead, he already has experience under Lionel Scaloni in the Albiceleste first team. He was called up for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, albeit without getting any minutes.

A tenacious and dynamic defender on the left, Soler impresses with his speed and offensive abilities, while showing confidence beyond his years in defence. English Premier League side Bournemouth paid US$15 million to sign him, making him the most expensive player sale in Lanús history.