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For cashstrapped Valencia to part with around £15 million to secure a relatively unknown player shows the confidence they have in this cultured midfielder to become a future lynchpin in their side. When Fernando Gago departed Boca Juniors for Real Madrid, it was Ever Banega who had to fill his boots, and he did so with aplomb, becoming the heartbeat of their central midfield with his gritty tackling, skill, impressive passing and powerful long-range shooting. A holding midfielder in the mould of Fernando Redondo, Banega is constantly looking to get on the ball to influence play. Although slight of build, he is not one to irk a challenge, his Argentinean blood ensuring a fierce competitive nature. Valencia clearly feel they have a talent on their hands, but sent him on loan to Atletico with a view to him gaining vital first-team experience. It is sure to be a steep learning curve for the player, who at times can frustrate with his somewhat naive desicion-making, but all the signs so far point towards a central midfield prodigy that will add a crucial backbone to any side.
He was a key member of the Argentinian U-20 squad that won the U-20 World Cup in 2007, and in 2008 has gone on to make his international debut for the national team, winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
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