The 2023 Golazo 50 concludes and so if you missed the first parts make sure to go and check them out…
Reminder: To be eligible for the list, the players simply need to be born on or after January 1st 2000 (they would all have been eligible to play if there had been an Olympic tournament in 2023).
10. Valentín Barco
Boca Juniors
23/07/2004
Left Back/Left Winger
2022 Golazo Entry: 45
Simply put, 2023 was the year Barco exploded onto the scene, justifying the hype that has been building around him for the last couple of years. Already on his third Golazo 50 appearance despite still being just 19-year-old, forgive our smug self-satisfaction as we revel in his rise to prominence after finally getting a chance in the first team. Interestingly it was further up the left flank that Barco cemented his place in the Boca team, using his dynamism, driving runs and comfort on the ball to give Los Xeneizes much needed thrust in the final third as they reached the Copa Libertadores final. Perhaps what stood out most was Barco’s big game mentality and fearlessness, seeming to thrive the higher stakes. Defensive frailties remain but Barco seems to have everything that elite clubs look for in a modern wing back, as demonstrated by interest from Manchester City and Brighton.
9. Alan Velasco
FC Dallas
27/07/2002
Winger
2022 Golazo Entry: 7
A knee ligament injury suffered in November cut short Alan Velasco’s 2023 and with it hurt FC Dallas’ hopes in the MLS playoffs. Prior to that it had looked to be another solid season in the US with Velasco notching 4 goals and 2 assists. Those numbers should probably be higher for a player with the dribbling ability of the 21-year-old and if Velasco is to go to the next level then end product must improve. For now the Dallas winger must focus on recovery despite the disappointment of missing out on Argentina U23 involvement. The dream remains to play in Europe and if Velasco returns to action unscathed then you wouldn’t rule that out.
8. Matías Soulé
Frosinone (on loan from Juventus)
15/04/2003
Attacking Midfielder
2022 Golazo Entry: 27
Based on current form alone, you could make a decent argument for Soulé being even higher. One of the revelations of Serie A this season, the Vélez academy product has six goals and one assist after 11 games and has dazzled with his attacking verve and dribbling. He also scored his first goal for parent club Juventus at the tail end of last season and showed flashes of his talents for Argentina U20s in what has been a productive 12 months. Amidst overtures from Italy, an Argentina debut will no doubt be fast-tracked – not that they need much persuading after his scintillating end to the year!
7. Facundo Buonanotte
Brighton
23/12/2004
Attacking midfielder
2022 Golazo Entry: 11
Brighton’s success in recruiting from across the globe is matched by their willingness to be patient and allow young players to find their feet. With the Seagulls arguably punching above their weight close to the top of the Premier League, finding regular minutes when making the move from Rosario at the age of 18 was always going to be tough for Facundo Buonanotte. Injuries this season have helped Facu rack up 10 league appearances and a superb goal against Chelsea will have done wonders for his confidence.
6. Carlos Alcaraz
Southampton
30/11/2002
Attacking Midfielder/Forward
2022 Golazo Entry: 8
A mixed year for the ex-Racing man but he remains a top talent with a high ceiling. Parachuted into a difficult situation at Southampton, Charly hit the ground running and scored four goals in 18 games as the Saints were relegated. Now in the Championship and often playing in an unfamiliar false 9 role, Alcaraz is nevertheless a regular and gaining experience as Southampton look to bounce back at the first time of asking. Likely to feature for the U23s at the Olympics, provided Argentina qualify that is…
5. Alan Varela
Porto
04/07/2001
Defensive midfielder
2022 Golazo Entry: 6
The big question when any player makes the move from Argentina to Europe is how will they cope with the step up? Seamlessly, would appear to be the answer in the case of Alan Varela. The former Boca Juniors midfield general has carried his form to Portugal and helped Porto into the last 16 of the Champions League. Tenacious and committed, Varela has everything you’d want from a holding midfielder while his spatial awareness and passing are probably underrated. A call-up to Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad appears to be the logical next step.
4. Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United
01/07/2004
Winger
2022 Golazo Entry: 12
Capable of moments of magic few others are able to dream of, yet alone execute, Garnacho has made a big impression in a short amount of time. Goal-of-the-season contender against Everton aside, the cocksure teen made important contributions off the bench at the end of last season and has slowly played his way into more of a regular role on the United left-hand side, while also bagging a first Champions League goal and making three appearances for Argentina. Yes he might be inconsistent and yes he might believe his own hype but for a young winger at one of the biggest clubs in the world that’s to be expected to a certain degree. If he can keep his feet on the ground (when he’s not unleashing bicycle kicks) and improve his end product then Argentina will have a potential heir to Di Maria waiting in the wings.
3. Thiago Almada
Atlanta United
26/04/2001
Forward
2022 Golazo Entry: 3
One year ago Thiago Almada made history as the first active MLS player to lift the World Cup and although Guayo remains in Atlanta his reputation has only been enhanced. Voted the best young player in MLS for 2023, Almada’s impressive 11 goals and 19 assists mark him out as a player clearly capable of making that next move. The 22-year-old will no doubt start the year as the star in Javier Mascherano’s U23 side tasked with booking a spot at the Olympics and the deadly set-piece expert will ensure the Albiceleste are in with a good shot.
2. Enzo Fernández
Chelsea
17/01/2001
Central Midfielder
2022 Golazo Ranking: 2
Tasked with the almost impossible job of following up a dream year, Enzo has not quite hit the same heights after his £106.8 million move to Chelsea. There are caveats aplenty and expectations were always going to be unrealistic but there have been glimpses of what Enzo can do amongst the turmoil and he’s already emerged as a leader in the dressing room. A brace against Brighton suggests good times might be round the corner and if compatriot Mauricio Pochettino is given time to mould a team around Fernández then 2024 should see an uptick in form. At international level, he’s still a vital cog in Argentina’s good start to qualifiers and will be for the foreseeable future.
1. Julián Álvarez
Manchester City
31/01/2000
Striker
2022 Golazo Entry: 1
Sneaking in with a January 2000 birthday there can be little doubt who holds down the number one slot and as a result sees an unchanged podium to the Golazo 50. Julián Álvarez’s 10 goals so far this campaign have seen him add the Club World Cup to his staggering medal haul. A versatile forward who gives everything for the team, it’s with good reason coaches love the 23-year-old. Competing with Lautaro Martínez for the central role for Argentina, Álvarez is for now managing to fend off the prolific Inter striker but will need to remain in tremendous form to lead the line at the 2024 Copa América.
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