Rangers fans are convinced they bore witness to the new Diego Maradona as Sevilla youngster Carlos Alvarez impressed against the Ibrox side’s U19s.
Carlos Alvarez Rivera, 18, was the star of the show and scored the only goal of the game as the Sevilla youngsters pipped their Rangers rivals in a feisty affair at the Dumbarton Stadium.
The result sends Rangers out of the competition, but it was a valiant effort from the young Bears who continue to go from strength to strength at the club’s Academy.
But whilst the progress of Rangers at this level will be noted by supporters who follow the B and youth sides in particular, it was Carlos Alvarez who stole the show on the night.
Built like el Pibe de Oro himself with a haircut to match, there were plenty who immediately likened the player to Diego Maradona before he’d even kicked a ball.
But as the play began and the match developed it became apparent that Carlos Alvarez is a major talent who also has shades of the great man in a footballing sense, with a left foot to match.
The goal – a tap-in after continued Sevilla pressure on Rangers keeper Jay Hogarth – might not have been worthy of the great man but the fact Alvarez was the difference-maker is telling.
Carlos Alvarez catches eye in Sevilla Rangers clash
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder impressed Jordan Campbell of the Athletic that much that he made him the focus of his match analysis in a piece after the game.
A player with bags of ability who stood out on the night and who could go on to big things in the game, perhaps Rangers supporters will look back at this night under the Rock in amazement.
It’s not every day you see the potential reincarnation of Diego Maradona playing against your team, even if Carlos Alvarez has some way to go before he can replicate the great man.
Meanwhile, Rangers have been linked to a Dutch youth international winger who is out of contract come the end of the season.
