Eder Alvarez Balanta

Eder Fabian Alvarez Balanta (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈeðeɾ ˈalβaɾes]; born 28 February 1993) is a Colombian footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Club Brugge. His overall versatile capabilities have led him to be likened as one of the more promising defenders from South America, earning praise even from Europe. River Plate former coach Ramon Diaz has compared Alvarez Balanta's talents to that of 1970s legend Daniel Passarella.

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.

Alvarez 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."

Club Career

Early career

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

River Plate

In early 2011, Alvarez Balanta was tested in the youth division of the Argentinean Club and passed the trials and became a sub with the youth squad. In 2012, he 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.

Alvarez 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. Alvarez Balanta scored yet another goal in his very next match, this time against Quilmes Atletico Club. He played his first Superclasico derby match against River Plate's fierce rivals, Boca Juniors. He played a huge part countering and cancelling the attacki

This page also has a version in other languages :  Эдер Баланта (russian)