Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has admitted he was “surprised” by the “spectacular level” Facundo Pellistri brought to the Uruguay national side.
Despite not playing for Manchester United so far this season, Uruguay manager Diego Alonso has called-up the former Penarol youngster for this month’s international fixtures.
The 20-year-old, who scored against Liverpool in pre-season, hasn’t featured under Erik ten Hag having picked up an injury against Atletico Madrid at the end of July.
Prior to joining up with the national side, United’s number 28 was pictured in Friday’s training session at Carrington.
Ronald Araujo admits he was surprised by Facundo Pellistri
Pellistri, who has six caps for Uruguay to his name, made his senior national debut back in January when he started a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.
The man who spent last season and two months of 2020-21 campaign on loan at Alaves started the South American qualifier on the right wing with Araujo behind him at right-back.
The pacey winger, who has an impressive three assists from six caps for Uruguay, was mentioned in an interview given by Araujo to El Pais this week.
The Barcelona defender was asked about the player who impressed him the most at La Celeste, and named the United youngster who is yet to make his senior bow for the Red Devils.
“I think Facundo Pellistri is surprising. Obviously we know the quality that Fede Valverde, Bentancur, Darwin [Nunez] have. But Facundo Pellistri surprised me quite a bit,” Araujo told El Pais’ Youtube channel.
“Especially since he hadn’t been playing. And more because of the level that he gave in the national team, that he was spectacular.
“Besides, we understood each other very well on the right wing. Facundo was the one who surprised me the most, yes.”
With Manchester United having nine games in October alone, Pellistri will be hoping to be given a chance under Ten Hag.
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