AFA keeps tabs on Las Palmas’ Valentín Pezzolesi for U20 South American

Argentina wants to ensure Valentín Pezzolesi, the Las Palmas full-back, for the U20 South American, according to MARCA. The federation is following him through its contacts in Europe and is looking to get ahead of Spain when it comes to his pathway with national youth teams.

Watching from Europe

The interest isn’t only football-related. MARCA explains that Pezzolesi has Argentine heritage and spent one year and two months living in Barracas, where his parents are from. With that background, the AFA’s goal is to position him within their plans for their youth setups.

Target: U20 South American

Initially, the intention was for him to play in the ODESUR Games’ U19 tournament in Rosario, starting September 16 and running for ten days. But that option was dropped so he wouldn’t interrupt his club process with Las Palmas, where he’s currently a starter. The decision was agreed between the AFA, the player, and the club.

For the near term, MARCA says Pezzolesi will remain a starter for Las Palmas at least in the next match. With injuries affecting the defense, he has earned his current role. The UD will travel to Cádiz with only five first-team defenders, alongside academy players Aidan Pérez and Rachid Saiah—an indication he should keep his spot.