Atalanta’s Ahanor, 17, shines in Champions League debut, defensive gem | OneFootball

The 2008-born defender, born in the province of Caserta to Nigerian parents, has already made his debut as a starter in both Serie A and the Champions League. Juric is launching him with courage, and Gattuso is also observing him with a future perspective.

Atalanta, Ahanor discovered: starter in the Champions League at 17 and a new jewel of the Orobic defense. And for Italy...

Two matches were enough for Honest Ahanor to capture the spotlight at Atalanta. Due to Hien's injury, the 2008-born defender made his debut from the first minute in Serie A against Juventus, and a few days later, he found himself starting in the Champions League against Bruges. At just 17 years old, he showed personality, technique, and courage, earning the attention of the public and industry experts.

Juric is managing him carefully: a talent to nurture without rushing, but with the awareness that the boy has everything to become a cornerstone of the team.

Origins and journey

Ahanor was born in the province of Caserta to Nigerian parents but has not yet obtained Italian citizenship. For this reason, he cannot be called up by the Italian coach, even though his name is already noted by those, like Gennaro Gattuso, who are looking with interest at the future of the National team.

Ahanor's football journey began in the youth sector of Genoa, a club where he immediately showed above-average qualities. This summer, he was purchased by Atalanta for about 20 million euros, a figure that confirms how the boy was already considered a high-level prospect.

Technical and tactical characteristics

Deployed by Juric on the left-center of the three-man defense, Ahanor amazed with his ability to read situations with clarity despite his young age. In addition to decent physicality, he possesses speed, clean technique, and personality with the ball at his feet.

An aspect that impressed the staff is his versatility: the defender not only guarantees solidity in marking but can also push forward, play as a wing-back, and participate in building the play. Juric, aware of having a unique profile in his hands, did not hesitate to immediately include him among the starters.

Resilience after the injury

In the past, Ahanor had to overcome a meniscus injury, but the recovery was complete, and today the player already appears mature in the physical management of matches. He knows how to alternate phases of attack with moments of coverage, carefully reading the needs of the game: a detail that distinguishes him from his peers.

A future as a protagonist

The qualities demonstrated have convinced the Bergamasque environment and attracted the attention of international observers. While waiting for citizenship, Ahanor remains a potential asset for Italian football. Juric is protecting him, but the first signs indicate that the Goddess may have found a new defensive leader.

As a member of the Atalanta staff confided: “He has the personality of a veteran and rare tactical maturity. He doesn't seem like a 17-year-old.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.