The Copa Libertadores has always been the biggest breeding ground for talent in South America. Few players have made the leap to Europe without first leaving their mark on the continent’s most prestigious tournament. The next one to do so might be Álvaro Montoro, who is making waves in the current edition of the Copa Libertadores wearing the Vélez Sarsfield jersey and has already caught the eye of a German football giant like Borussia Dortmund.

Álvaro Montoro Is Being Watched from Germany

The news was revealed exclusively by Sky Sports Germany. Specifically, Florian Plettenberg, who reported that Borussia Dortmund has already sent several scouting department members to closely monitor Álvaro Montoro’s development. However, they’re not the only club in Germany interested in signing this talented 17-year-old attacking midfielder. Bayer Leverkusen, which is preparing for a possible departure of Florian Wirtz, also has him on their radar.

Like any true No. 10 born in Argentina, Álvaro Montoro boasts exquisite technical skill, excelling in tight spaces and linking up with teammates seamlessly. At just 16, he became the third-youngest debutant in Vélez’s history and has already played 31 matches before even turning 18 on April 17, when he’ll no longer face restrictions to move to Europe — especially since he holds an Italian passport.

Vélez’s Academy Is Doing an Outstanding Job

Bit by bit, Montoro has earned the trust of Schelotto and has started in nine of the 13 matches he’s played this season with Vélez, consistently leaving a strong impression. Particularly in the Copa Libertadores, where he scored his first goal for Vélez in the opening match against Peñarol and, days later, provided an assist in the rout over Olimpia, which led to Martín Palermo’s dismissal.

No one doubts that Boca Juniors and River Plate are the biggest clubs in Argentina, and therefore the leading exporters of talent to Europe. However, Vélez’s academy has been doing remarkable work in recent years. It has produced talents like Thiago Almada (Lyon), Santi Castro (Bologna), Perrone (Manchester City), Nico Domínguez (Nottingham Forest), Prestianni (Benfica), and Alejo Sarco (Bayer Leverkusen). Soon, Álvaro Montoro will likely be the next to join them.