Ecuador summons Diego Almeida, a central 17-year-old who belongs to the lower ranks of FC Barcelona, being one of the great promises of ‘La Masía’. Gustavo Alfaro knows him quite well since he had played from the Under 15 to Under 18 in Spain. Almeida will be able to debut on December 4 against El Salvador in the American city of Houston.
He is the son of Ecuadorians, but born in Spain. Xavi himself also has good references about him since he was promoted recently. The former culé player could give him minutes this season, since it is clear that he is betting on the quarry.
Coach Alfaro seeks to test different young players, as he has done with Piero Hincapié, Jeremy Sarmiento and Gonzalo Plata.
The rest of the list
Goalkeepers: José Gabriel Cevallos (Olmedo), Jorge Pinos (October 9) and Hernán Galíndez (Catholic University).
Defenders: Diego Almeida (Barcelona-ESP), Luis F León, Byron Castillo, Joshué Quiñónez and Leonel Quiñónez (Barcelona), Andrés López (Catholic University), Diego Palacios (Los Angeles-USA), Gustavo Vallecilla (Cincinnati-USA).
Midfielders: Jordi Alcívar (Quito League), Danny Cabezas (October 9), José Carabalí (Catholic University), Michael Carcelén (Barcelona), Sebastián Méndez (Orlando City-USA) and Freddy Mina (Macará).
Forwards: Jhojan Julio and Djorkaeff Reasco (Quito League), Walter Chalá (Catholic University) and Michael Estrada (Toluca-MEX).
