Pranav Nair
Manchester United loanee Facundo Pellistri sends a message after making Deportivo Alaves debut
Manchester United loanee Facundo Pellistri made his La Liga debut for Deportivo Alaves against Real Sociedad at the weekend.
It proved to be a harsh introduction to top-level European football as the youngster struggled to make any noticeable contribution. Pellistri came on in the 56-minute with his side already 2-0 down.
The Uruguayan was unable to change the flow of the game and was limited to just 10 touches on the night. While he may not have set the field on fire, it is a step in the right direction regarding his development.
Pellistri took to Instagram after the game and expressed his happiness at making his debut. He also promised to keep working hard and get better.
It is never easy for a teenager to come to a new continent and hit the ground running. Pellistri is undoubtedly talented but at 19, he is far from the finished product.
His time at Alaves will be a challenge and how he reacts to it could determine his future. The youngster has done well for United’s Under-23 side and this loan spell should help him get the first taste of European football.
Alaves take on Osasuna next weekend and it remains to be seen if Pellistri will get any time on the pitch. The Spaniards are currently just a point off safety in La Liga and have struggled this season.
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It is intriguing that both Amad Diallo and Pellistri got their first taste of top-level football after joining United against Real Sociedad. While the former may have been on the winning side, he was not afforded the game time that the latter received.
Pellistri has the opportunity to experience regular first-team football at Alaves. Such an opportunity does not come often and the 19-year-old will do well to rise to the challenge.
