Matias Defederico: The ‘New Messi’ on West Ham & Sunderland Hitlist
West Ham and Sunderland are reportedly preparing bids for the Argentinian starlet Matias Defederico who has been labelled the ‘new Lionel Messi’ in his homeland after a starring role in Huracan’s surprise Clausura league title win in 2009. The starlet has struggled since moving to Brazilian outfit Corinthians and after one goal in 17 league appearances (10 starts), Defederico is expected to be sold with Avram Grant and Steve Bruce ready to take a chance on him.
According to reports in Argentina both clubs are set to make offers for the talented attacking starlet to rescue him from his Brazilian hell. Avram Grant has been busy trying to rebuild the West Ham side with a number of new arrivals expected to join Thomas Hitzlsperger and Frederic Piquionne at Upton Park. French striker Loic Remy is another target but a creative wideman with Defederico’s versatility would be a superb asset. Steve Bruce has proven both with Sunderland and with Wigan that he is adept at signing South American talent and the player’s skill and ability to beat opponents would prove to be a big hit at the Stadium of Light.
The starlet’s incredible form in 2008/09 led to a call-up by Argentina coach Diego Maradona who gave the then 20-year-old his debut in a 3-1 win over Panama back in May in which Defederico netted. Unfortunately he was unable to break into his nation’s international squad for the World Cup mainly due to his struggles in Brazil where he has failed to reproduce his best form. However, he is now eyeing a move to the Premier League to kick-start his club and international career. Whether that will be West Ham or Sunderland is in question with both clubs vying for him.
De Federico was born in Buenos Aires and his comparisons with Messi are obvious due to his 5 ft 7 stature and excellent ability to dribble. The Corinthians star established himself as a top player during the 2008/09 season, making 20 league appearances (19 starts) and scoring 6 goals in both the Apertura (Opening) and Clausura (Closing) championships. Previous to this, De Federico had started just one league game and made 14 substitute league appearances. However, as Huracan took the Clausura title, De Federico and his young team-mate Javier Pastore received many plaudits. Pastore was a target for Manchester United but he is about to instead moved to Palermo and earned himself a World Cup call-up while De Federico moved to Brazil.
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West Ham were thought to be leading the chase for the talented youngster but Sunderland have now made their move although both clubs are also chasing other targets. Quotes from the winger himself suggest he would relish a move to the Black Cats or the Hammers. He said, “I like to watch the English Premier League, it is very fast and I think that it would suit my speed well.”
The Argentine starlet can play on either flank like Messi but is predominantly left-footed. He has the ability to beat a man whether cutting inside or going down the flank so would provide either West Ham or Sunderland with a very different attacking weapon to what they currently possess. Avram Grant in particular is looking to strengthen throughout the team and Defederico would provide a cutting edge that there is no doubt the Hammers lacked last season. He could follow in the footsteps of Carlos Tevez as an Upton Park hero taking the same route from Argentina, to Brazil and then to the East End in the process.
Steve Bruce is trying to add more creativity to his Sunderland team which can only benefit the likes of Darren Bent who enjoyed a sensational first season in the North-East. Defederico would add some guile and pace to the Black Cats flanks which would also be of benefit in away matches where quick counter-attacking is usually the key to success. He is likely to be available for £6m although it is thought a loan deal is a possibility.
Do Sunderland or West Ham need a player like Defederico who is renowned for his pace and crossing ability? Should Avram Grant or Steve Bruce look to sign a finished product rather than an exciting young talent? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Argentina, Corinthians, Matias Defederico, Sunderland, West Ham
July 26th, 2010 at 07:05
It’s really a joke to compare him to messi. Look at the video, most of what I see is due to poor defending rather than his brilliance