Andrés Ferrari is the next Uruguayan footballer moving across the Atlantic Ocean. The 20-year-old striker has joined Spanish side Villarreal on a 5-year deal. After a productive start to the 2023 season with Defensor Sporting, in which Ferarri scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 8 appearances, El Submarino Amarillo has capitalized on the promise the striker has displayed throughout his young career.

It’s less than 12 months ago, May 29 of 2022 to be exact, when Ferrari made his professional debut. During his debut campaign, the man born in the South of Uruguay got given the confidence to be in Defensor’s cup team. Ferrari took the opportunity with both hands, arising as a true hero in Defensor’s impressive run to their first piece of silverware in five years. He was crowned the tournament’s top scorer with 4 goals. A mix of clinical finishing an shrewd movement in-and-around the box made Ferrari a tricky customer to deal with.

Besides his prowess in the penalty box, the striker exhibited an overall game which proved that he is much more than just a goal scorer. His link-up and hold-up play, for example, is up to the mark. It still can improve, sure, but he has proven to be quite effective with his back to goal. Always looking to be available as a passing outlet to his teammates and physically more than capable of holding off defenders. On the ball, whether it is to link up for a quick give-and-go or take on opponents, Ferrari is in his element. It’s why he could also play from the wing, while this is not his ideal position. Off the ball, Ferrari provides exemplary defensive contribution.

A player of his quality was always going to be snapped up, sooner rather than later, by a club from abroad. At Villarreal, which incidentally is the club where Diego Forlán enjoyed his European breakthrough, he will come across different levels. Those that can not be compared to what he has experienced in Uruguayan football. Ferrari does, however, have the potential and, more importantly, the industrious nature which lead me to believe that he will succeed at the Estadio de la Céramica.

Before Ferrari will feature for the 2020/21 Europa League winners, he will continue playing for Defensor until the U20 World Cup which starts in May. Ferrari is expected to be part of the Uruguay side that will be pursuing international glory at youth level. He only missed the U20 South American championship at the start of the year due to injury. The U20 World Cup is a fitting platform for young gems like him to showcase their ability. He might have already landed a dream move to Europe, giving an early indication as to what the Spanish supporters can expect next season would do no harm. And once again leading his team to a title wouldn’t either.