Matías Fernández
Club: Villareal (ESP)
Birthdate: May 15, 1986
Fernandez, at the ripe old age of 20, made that jump across the pond to the bright prospects of La Liga. A goal in every two games (33 in 64 to be exact( for Colo Colo (the most well-known Chilean club due to 24 Chilean Apertura titles) was enough to secure him a move to Spanish contenders Villareal. Known simply as Mati, or even more cleverly Matigol (see the difference?), Fernandez was a Colo Colo man since the age of 12. Then again, that it is pretty much how it works in the South America (hell, in most places that’s the way it goes). His first international cap came at 18 and since then he has provided Chile with a spark in only 8 games of service, contributing 3 goals. His ability to effectively balance his international duties with club duties and not to mention his knack of putting the ball in the back of the net pushed his move to Villareal forward, while also providing a nice chunk of change for his hometown team. What is that amount you ask? A cool 8.75-9 million Euros.
Often compared to legend Chilean David Pizarro (although many think he is better) and Brazilian striker Romario.
FIFA Article on Mati
One of Matigol's Best
Colombia
Falcao
Club: River Plate
Birthdate: February 20, 1986
Fullname: Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate
First things first: this Falcao is not the amazing futsal Falcao who is often seen appearing in YouTube clips with Brazilian young’un and Real Madrid striker Robinho. He is in the mold of many of the former great and still young River Plate strikers: Fernando Cavenaghi (now in Russia with Spartak Moscow) and Maxi Lopez, while also nurturing a rivalry with the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain (now at Real Madrid). Falcao has now stepped out of the shadows and into the craziness that is River Plate. In 2006, however, his ascent not only to the River Plate starting lineup but also the Colombian national team, was stopped by cruciate ligament damage. Somewhat injury prone, Falcao is a leader of the new generation and new mold of Colombian youth soccer which has produced such talents as fellow young’uns: Freddy Guarin, Wason Renteria, Libis Andres Arenas, Sherman Cardenas, and Hugo Rodallega. The kid can play – he’s got pace, tremendous skill, and endurance (surprising for an oft-injured forward). Due to his bouts with injury, Falcao has not seen time with the Colombian national team but once he regains his form and his starting spot at River Plate, that cap will come.
The Most Important Goal of Falcao's Life (against Boca) courtesy of YouTube
Wason Renteria
Club: Porto (POR)
Birthdate: July 4, 1985
Fullname: Wason Libardo Renteria Cuesta
A tall target man (Freddy Rincon anyone) who was nurtured on the youth-enriched fields of Brazilian club Internacional (where fellow young’un Alexandre Pato is playing currently). Wason recently was plucked away by Porto, the South American talent whore it is, and has been thrown quickly into the fray of the Portuguese Superliga. His stock soared with his performance with Colombia at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005 and his club play from there on out proved efficient. He is known for his prowess, power (which sometimes works against him), and an intimidating presence. Although his time with Porto has been limited, his time will certainly come soon. World-renowned for his goal reminiscent of Pele (below) and you'll know it when you see it. His play has earned him several caps for the Colombian national team.
A Collection of Wason Renteria Goals - courtesy of YouTube (please note the PegLeg Pirate Celebration)
Enjoy.
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