Guardiola praises Echeverri after scoring first goal for Manchester City

Claudio Echeverri earned praise from manager Pep Guardiola after scoring his first goal for Manchester City through a free kick in their 6-0 victory over Al Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup in Atlanta.

The 19-year-old Argentine — was forced off at halftime due to an ankle injury, but his 45-minute performance left a lasting impression.

“It was a fantastic goal. He’s an incredible player in small spaces. Unfortunately, he couldn’t continue due to the ankle problem, but he was truly good in those first minutes,” said Guardiola.

Joining City in February for around £18.5 million from River Plate, Echeverri — who has been linked with a potential loan move to Girona, made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Fulham.

“Since joining, at the end of training sessions he would practice free kicks alone, with the keeper and wall. Others didn’t practice, but he kept practicing, and that hard work paid off,” added Guardiola.