From legendary goalkeeper, René Higuita to bagsman Radamel Falcao Colombia have long produced an array of footballing talent. And today it’s no different. James Rodriguez is their latest poster boy, but at 29 Los Cafeteros need a new talisman. Below we look at the best young Colombian players in FIFA 21.
Best Colombian Wonderkids in FIFA 21
5. Kevin Joacid Moreno (Deportivo Cali: CB)
6’2” in height and 190 lbs (86kg) in weight 19-year-old Kevin Moreno has the perfect build for a commanding centre back. Solid as a rock the Deportivo Cali youngster has 82 strength and exceptional aerial ability with 75 jumping and 61 heading accuracy.
Rated 62 overall with a potential of 78 Moreno’s hardly going to set the world alight, but he should develop into a steady centre back given time.
4. Andrés Felipe Perea (Orlando City SC: CDM, CM)
The engine of Orlando City’s midfield Andrés Perea has excellent physical attributes with 72 stamina and 74 acceleration. Rated 63 overall with a 78 potential, there’s hope the 19-year-old will develop into an accomplished defensive midfielder in the coming years. And while he’s far from a potential world-beater, Perea is definitely worth the €2.3 million investment in career mode.
3. Juan Manuel Cuesta (Independiente Medellín: LM, ST)
Naturally right-footed Juan Manuel Cuesta fits the mould of the typical modern-day winger in that he prefers to play on the opposite flank to his stronger foot, enabling him to cut inside and bear down on goal. Still only 18 Cuesta is nowhere near the finished article and that’s reflected with a FIFA 21 overall rating of 60. But with 82 potential it shows there’s lots more to come from a kid going under the radar at Independiente Medellín.
Cuesta’s attributes are a sea of orange and red with only acceleration, agility and balance 70 or above.
2. Johan Carbonero (Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata: LM, RM)
Capable of playing on either wing Johan Stiven Carbonero has pace to burn. With 83 acceleration, 90 sprint speed and 90 agility the 20-year-old is a nightmare to defend against one v one. Rated 67 overall the major thing lacking from his game right now is end product. If he can improve on 54 crossing and 65 finishing in the coming years then there’s every chance he’ll become the 82 rated player predicted. Snap him up in your career mode for just €5.2 million.
1. Déiber Caicedo (Deportivo Cali: RM)
The man expected to succeed James Rodriguez as Colombia’s golden boy, Déiber Caicedo has pace and bags of it. At 20 years old he’s already made over 50 senior appearances for boyhood club Deportivo Cali and if he continues developing there’s no doubt he’ll soon attract the attention of Europe’s elite.
Give this kid space to run into and you’ll be punished, the right midfielder has 84 acceleration, 80 sprint speed and 89 balance as well as 78 dribbling. His end product needs improvement, but that’ll come with experience.
Rated 68 overall with a potential of 86 Caicedo has a ridiculously cheap release clause of just €6.3 million. A player not to be sniffed at.
From back to front Colombia look to have a solid core of youth players coming through their ranks. Although inexperienced – there’s not a single senior cap between the five players listed – there’s still plenty of time for the youngsters to reach their potential, making their ridiculously cheap release clauses even more appealing.
