Independiente Medellín pin hopes on Halam Loboa and John Montaño against Vasco | OneFootball

Independiente Medellín’s hopes against Vasco in the Copa Sudamericana rest heavily on Halam Loboa, 20, and John Montaño, 19. After a 2-2 first leg in Colombia, the tie resumes at 19:00 on Wednesday at São Januário for a place in the last 16.

Speaking on Win Sports, Independiente Medellín reporter Oscar Tobón said Montaño has had highs and lows but is in his best spell, with goals and an assist against Vasco and Deportivo Pasto, and looks to be maturing. He added that Loboa often plays centrally or as the first midfielder dropping into the back line under coach Luis Perea, and is viewed as Medellín’s prime asset for an eventual overseas sale.

Both are academy graduates. Montaño, who struck both goals in Colombia, was bought by Grupo City last year and remained with the club on loan to continue his development.

Loboa did not touch the ball for the first goal, yet his dummy disrupted Puma Rodríguez and Adson, opening space to attack down the right of Vasco’s defence.

Late last week CIES released studies on South America’s most promising players by position. Montaño ranked sixth among under-21 wingers, behind Cruzeiro’s Keny Arroyo in second and Botafogo’s Álvaro Montoro in third. Loboa also placed sixth among under-21 midfielders, and no player from Brazilian clubs featured.

Source: Globo.com