Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has heaped praise on the club’s star player Marcelo Allende, saying that the Chilean midfielder is a valuable asset.
Marcelo Allende has produced breath-taking performances since joining Sundowns last year in August from Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay.
He was reportedly on the radar of Premier League side, Arsenal prior to sealing a move to the DStv Premiership champions on a five-year deal.
The Chilean international has bagged four goals and provided three assists in 38 games for Sundowns. In the new season, he has featured in all five matches for the Tshwane giants and walked away with the Man of the Match award in the 2-0 win over Chippa United last Saturday.
Sundowns have won all their opening five games in the new 2023/24 season as they look to defend their league title and compete in the CAF Champions League.
ALLENDE MAKES OTHERS LOOK GOOD, SAYS MOKWENA
“Marcelo makes others look good, and he makes the team look good,”Rulani Mokwena. “He makes the ball move faster, he arrives in the spaces faster and drags opponents out of position.
“He is a very intelligent footballer and I’m not surprised he flirted with Arsenal. They are really top-tier in Europe, and we are really privileged as a club to have a player like Marcelo.
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“He’s a ceiling raiser, and in basketball, that’s what you call these types of players. They don’t only make you play better, but they make you function better. Of course, without other intelligent footballers around him, it’s not possible.”
The 24-year-old diminutive attacking midfielder led the Chilean junior national team at the 2015 U/17 FIFA World Cup.
He then went on to make his debut in the senior national team in 2021. Marcelo is expected to play a big role as the season progresses with Mamelodi Sundowns set to play in five competitions including the new Carling Cup.