Newell’s Old Boys had a historic moment this past weekend when 17-year-old midfielder Jerónimo Gómez Mattar became the youngest captain in the club’s history.
Gómez Mattar, who turned 17 on August 7, came on as a substitute for Juan Manuel García in the second half against Defensa y Justicia. García then handed him the captain’s armband, making him the team’s leader for the final minutes of the 1-1 draw in Florencio Varela.
After the match, Gómez Mattar explained that head coach Cristian Fabbiani made the decision:
“The coach told me to take the armband. I still can’t believe when Juanchón gave it to me. I’m enjoying it with the group that makes me feel comfortable,” said the midfielder, who recently won the L’Alcúdia Tournament in Spain with Argentina’s U-17 team.
García later added:
“Cristian told me to give it to him. He’s a very responsible and hard-working kid with a lot ahead of him. He needs to go step by step, but he has the qualities to build a great career.”
Fabbiani also gave his reasoning:
“It was my decision. In football you learn a lot from situations. I remember when Argentinos Juniors gave the armband to Redondo’s son before selling him. I copy situations. If Gómez Mattar keeps going like this, he can give a lot to Argentina’s national team in the future.”
Gómez Mattar has already worn the armband at youth level for Newell’s in U-15, U-16, and U-17 divisions, and also with Argentina’s national youth teams. He made his professional debut earlier this season in the Clausura opener against Independiente Rivadavia.
Now, Gómez Mattar and the rest of the squad are preparing for the Rosario clásico against Central:
“Now it’s all about the clásico. It’s a special week and the most important match we have ahead of us,” he said.
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