Eder Alvarez Balanta

Éder Fabián Álvarez Balanta (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈeðeɾ ˈalβaɾes]; born 28 February 1993) is a Colombian footballer who plays as a centre back for River Plate in the Primera División.^[1][2][3] His overall versatile capabilities have led him to be likened as one of the more promising young defenders from South America, earning praise even from Europe.^{[4][5][6][7][8]} River Plate former coach Ramón Díaz has compared Álvarez Balanta's talents to that of legendary Daniel Passarella.^[9]

A Colombian international, he made his debut against Tunisia on 5 March 2014 and was later named in Colombia's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Balanta is described by FIFA's official website as "left-footed, powerfully built, strong in the air and a fearless tackler ... blessed with skill and speed"^[10]

Club career

Early career

Balanta was born in Bogotá, Colombia, where he signed with the now dissolved club Academia F.C. in 2010 (who later became Llaneros F.C.). After a successful youth run winning various various titles, he attracted the scouts of River Plate. Prior to his move to the Argentinean giants, Éder was never able to represent the Colombian national youth squads due to vast injuries.^[11]

River Plate

In early 2011, Balanta was tested in the youth division of the Argentinean Club and passed the trials and became a sub with the youth squad.^[12] In 2012, Éder was becoming more of a regular which led to an eventual championship victory in the 2012 U-20 Copa Libertadores. Due to his success with the youth team and impressive talent, he moved into the senior squad officially in 2013.^[13]

Balanta made his debut with the senior squad against Racing Club. In just his third league match, he scored his first goal against Godoy Cruz.^[14] Balanta scored yet another goal in his very next match, this time against Quilmes Atlético Club. Éder played his first Superclásico derby match against River Plate's fierce rivals, Boca Juniors. He played a huge part countering and cancelling the attacking plays in a fierce game that ended 1-1.^[15][16] Interestingly, Inter Milan reportedly made a bid for the young Colombian after just five league appearances. River Plate set a €12 million price tag.^[17][18] During a match against All Boys, Balanta tore his internal obturador muscle resulting in a two-week absence on the pitch.^[19]

In July 2013, Balanta officially signed his first senior contract with the club on a three-year term deal with a $30 million release clause.^[20]

Balanta noticeably put on a man of the match performance in the 2013 Copa Sudamericana match against San Lorenzo. Throughout the match, he was praised for being 'impassable'.^[21]

In September 2013, it was reported that Barcelona had taken interest in Balanta, and they plan to watch the player to evaluate his development.^[22][23][24] It was also mentioned that Eder could possibly be a successor to the aging Carles Puyol, and that River Plate would want €50 million for his services.^[25][26][27] Although weeks later, River Plate brought down his release clause to €15 million.^[28]

In the match against Club Atlético Lanús, Balanta received his first ever red card within the last two minutes of regulation time.^[29]

International career

Balanta attracted the attention of the Colombian Federation in May 2013 during his time with River Plate. He was called to be part of the U-20 squad for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup that was held in Turkey. Due to injuries and the factor that he had yet to sign his first professional contract, River Plate stated that they would not allow him to partake with the national youth squad if he does not meet with his youth contract before signing a senior contract.^[30] In June, 2013, it was confirmed that River Plate would not allow him to take part in the U-20 World Cup.^[31]

On 7 November 2013, Balanta received his first senior call-up to play friendlies against Belgium and the Netherlands.^[32][33] On his second call up, Balanta made his international debut, coming in at the 65th minute in a friendly against Tunisia.

On 6 June 2014, Balanta was named by coach José Pékerman in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.^[34]

Playing Style and Praise

Álvarez Balanta has been highlighted with top praise in Argentina.^[36][37] Since debuting in top-tier Argentinean football, Álvarez Balanta has been deemed as the 'best defender' in the league, earning that title within half of his debuting season.^{[38][39][40][41][42][43]} Compared to other Colombian legends, he's been referenced for Jorge Bermudez's hierarchy while having speed and agility to that of Ivan Cordoba, all while also carrying wonderful strength and balance. Thus, he is often credited as a complete center-back. Left-footed, Álvarez Balanta has shown that he can play with his right as well.^{[44][45][46][47][48][49]} These talents had even made former River Plate coach Ramón Díaz, compare Álvarez Balanta's talents to that of legendary Daniel Passarella.^[50]

In response to his sudden rise in popularity and praise, Álvarez Balanta has been shown to be quite modest:

"I am not as skillful as everyone thinks I am; I understand that people are excited for me and what I can do which is good, as it proves that I am on the right path and that my hard work is paying off. However, I am really just 'normal' and not a 'star', yet. People are often asking me when 'I will go to Barcelona' and it makes me feel uncomfortable because I am still young and learning. But the rumors that run around often make me feel as if my head will explode. It puts stress on my mind when I am trying to focus on River Plate and possibly get the chance to represent Colombia. It's a dream of mine to play for Colombia during a World Cup, but I cannot make it if I don't continue working hard."^[51][52]

Honours

Club

River Plate Youth Squad

• U-20 Copa Libertadores (1): 2012

River Plate

• Argentine Primera División (1): Torneo Final 2014

References