5 River Plate Talents European Clubs Must Poach After River Plate’s Relegation

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Thirty-three Primera División titles, two Copa Libertadores, a defining Intercontinental Cup victory against Steaua Bucureşti in 1986—next season, however, River Plate will not be able to contend for any of these titles as they'll be playing in Primera B Nacional.

River Plate were relegated by little known Belgrano in a two-legged playoff. What followed was a disgraceful riot staged by River Plate hooligans.

With estimated debts nearing $20 million, and no top flight football next season, here are five River Plate talents European clubs must poach after River Plate’s relegation.

Erik Lamela

• Age: 19
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Nationality: Argentinean 

When Erik Lamela was 12, Barcelona reportedly offered the Lamela family €100 000 a year to move to Catalonia.

The Lamela family rejected Barcelona’s advances, and would do so again five years later when he was 17.

Lamela’s exquisite dribbling ability and burst of acceleration is reminiscent of former highlight reel winger Denílson.

This season, Lamela has played well enough for River Plate, though as Tim Vickery at BBC Sport said, "Responsibility has been unfairly heaped on Eric Lamela, a hugely promising 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who combines well but has had no one to combine with."

Last December, according to IMScouting, River Plate rejected A.C. Milan’s €12 million bid for Lamela.

Will River Plate reject a €12 million bid now, knowing they cannot offer their most promising prospect top-flight football next season? 

Rogelio Funes Mori

• Age: 20
• Position: Centre forward
• Nationality: Argentinean 

Rogelio Funes Mori’s path into professional football is an unconventional one.

When Mori was young, his family moved from Argentina to the United States, presumably to live the American dream.

By winning the American reality TV show Sueño MLS, Mori was scouted by River Plate, and ironically he moved back to Argentina to chase his dream.

With River Plate, Mori showed potential, and there were many likening him to former River Plate standout Hernán Crespo.

According to Daniel Edwards at Goal.com, Mori was the subject of an €8 million bid from Benfica in January, however president Daniel Passarella rejected the bid on the rationale that Mori’s transfer value would increase.

Well that backfired since Mori’s transfer value has plummeted as his goals have dried up—four goals in 26 games this season.

According to A Bola, Fiorentina have enquired about the services of Mori following River Plate’s relegation.

Though wouldn’t it be more helpful for Mori to play a season in the Primera B Nacional to regain his confidence? 

Manuel Lanzini

• Age: 18
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Nationality: Argentinean

Growing up, Manuel Lanzini was offered a place in a Boca Juniors academy by Ramon Madoni, the man who discovered the likes of Juan Román Riquelme, Carlos Tévez and Fernando Gago.

However, Lanzini instead decided to join the River Plate academy, and the decision proved to bear fruit when then manager Ángel Cappa gave Lanzini his professional debut at just 17 years old.

Lanzini has at times shown off his glitzy skills, and with his low centre of gravity, his ability to make incisive forays into opposing defences is a very desirable trait for potential European employers.

That being said, with 37-year-old Ariel Ortega destined for retirement and with the certain departure of prized asset Erik Lamela—perhaps it would be beneficial for Lanzini to stay with River Plate. 

Roberto Pereyra

• Age: 20
• Position: Left winger
• Nationality: Argentinean

Often the recipient of Erik Lamela’s accurate passes, Roberto Pereyra is a player who thrives on beating his defender.

Excellent dribbling, coupled with pace, has allowed him to skip past defenders with ease.

He has the potential to replicate the success of compatriot Ángel di María.

Adalberto Román

• Age: 24
• Position: Centre back/left back
• Nationality: Paraguayan

Adalberto Román is a no-nonsense defender who has made headlines for making a crucial mistake against Belgrano in the relegation playoff first leg.

Román handled the ball from a corner, which handed Belgrano a penalty, and Cesar Mansanelli converted—Belgrano surprisingly won 2-0.

Having been targeted by hooligans, it would be surprising if Román doesn’t leave River Plate, and perhaps he may leave for a cut price as the safety of a human is far more important than his true transfer value.

Román has been a hard worker for River Plate despite their torrid season, and will be a handy player for a handful of European clubs either as a starter or as a reserve. 

Other Talents

The following are some River Plate youngsters who are unlikely to be sold, as they’ll probably form the nucleus of the team attempting to get re-promoted into the Primera División.

Daniel Villalva: 18-year-old pocket dynamo standing at just 1.55m (5 ft 1). He will look to have a similar impact like former team mate Diego Buonanotte.  

Ezequiel Cirigliano: 19-year-old centre midfielder who seems very comfortable in possession. Tim Vickery at Sports Illustrated stated that Cirigliano had "some quality in central midfield."

Facundo Affranchino: 21-year-old winger who’ll attempt to cement a regular position on the team.

Juan Díaz Martínez: 23-year-old Uruguayan left back who has played well. If he does harbor aspirations to leave River Plate, then Uruguayan clubs Nacional and Peñarol could become potential employers.

Mauro Díaz: 20-year-old attacking midfielder who'll gain more game time if Erik Lamela and Manuel Lanzini are sold.