Gilberto Mora appeared as one of the brightest revelations from the Gold Cup-winning campaign from Mexico.
In only 16 years old, the young midfielder crushed a record that was previously held by legends such as Pelé and Lamine Yamal, and became the youngest player ever who won a large international tournament. His striking versions have already led to talking about moving to Europe – although FIFA instructions will keep him ground until it turns 18.
“I saw something special in Gilberto”
One of the most respected voices to weigh Moras is Juan Carlos Osorio, former head coach of Club Tijuana and the man who is credited to discover the teenage sensation. Osorio remembered that after the early exit of Xolos of last year's Leagues Cup it was that he and his staff started to pay more attention to the youth of the club.
“In those competitions I saw something special in Gilberto – a natural talent,” said Osorio. “He was still a child, still physically developed, but what stood out were his rotating checks. In one smooth movement he could turn and control the ball. That is rare.”
Osorio remind us of none other than Andrés Iniesta, the legendary midfielder of Barcelona.
“In today's high -level football, players have an average of around 700 full turns per match,” Osorio explained. “The movement of Gilberto was reminiscent of Iniesta that we decided to use it the way [Pep] Guardiola often did it [as Barça head coach] – Like a false winger in the inside. “
Laliga “A Perfect Fit” for Mora
Despite the buzz, Mora's path to Europe is complicated by the strict rules of FIFA for international transfers involving minors. Exceptions are rare and usually limited to humanitarian matters, such as players who are fleeing conflict zones.
But if Mora continues with his current process, a switch to a top European competition seems inevitable. According to Osorio, Laliga of Spain would be the ideal destination: “It is a competition that appreciates the technical skill above physicality – a perfect fit for Gilberto.”
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