Jorge Sampaoli believes he has signed a “very player” after Leeds United connected Matías Zaracho to Atlético Mineiro last week, speaking to UOL.
After being strongly connected with a summer move to Elland Road, the game creator ended up teaming up with the guy who succeeded Bielsa as head coach of the Chilean national team.
Five years after taking Chile to the first primary trophy in its history, Sampaoli is back in South America with Atlético Mineiro.
And, after a disappointing thirteenth position last season, the Belo Horizonte-based squad is feeling a little better after nailing one of the most exciting attacking talents on the continent.
“Zaracho is a very player in Argentine football,” Sampaoli said of the Albiceleste international, who joined Racing Club for a smart 4. 5 million pound deal.
“You can play with number 8 or number ten. He’s a very flexible player. “
Skilled, artistic and capable in various midfield positions, Zaracho resembles an archetypal midfielder by Marcelo Bielsa (Double Yellow).
“I am pleased to be here today, to be here to show myself and to give a lot of joy to the love and the club,” Zaracho told Istoe.
“(Sampaoli) called me and gave me smart references about the club and the situation. Then I told him I wanted to come.
Given the countless stylistic similarities between Sampaoli’s taste and Bielsa’s fluid approach, don’t be surprised to see Leeds rekindle his interest in Zaracho if he sharpens his artistic instincts in the beautiful jogo space.
In other news, Leeds’ 55 million pound star’s weakness and told his teammate