Miguel Monsalve Explained

Miguel Ángel Monsalve Gonzáles (born 27 February 2004) is a Colombian footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Grêmio.

Club career

Born in Medellín, Monsalve began his career with local side Independiente Medellín at the age of four, following in the footsteps of his elder brother.^{[1] [2]} Despite clubs in Colombia not officially allowed to have players below the age of five, Monsalve impressed coaches and was enrolled in the academy.^[2] He consistently stood out in the academy of Independiente, playing with players older than him each year, and was invited to train with the first team at the age of thirteen.^[1]

He made his professional debut for the club on 15 October 2020 in a 1–1 draw with Jaguares de Córdoba in the Categoría Primera A. The following year, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the sixty best young players born in 2004 worldwide.^[3]

International career

Monsalve has represented Colombia at under-20 level.

Style of play

Monsalve describes himself as an attacking midfielder, but says he is also capable of playing in the front three.^[4] A creative player, Monsalve has stated that he idolises Lionel Messi.^{[2] [5]}

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Independiente Medellín	2020	Categoría Primera A	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
	2021		3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
	2022		9	1	3	1	0	0	0	0	12	2
	2023		10	2	0	0	3	0	0	0	5	1
Career total			19	2	3	1	3	0	0	0	25	3

Notes

Notes and References

1. Web site: ¿Quién es Miguel Monsalve, el joven que brilló en el triunfo del DIM sobre Tolima?. Who is Miguel Monsalve, the young man who shone in DIM's victory over Tolima?. John. Eric Gómez. 28 July 2022. 29 March 2023. elcolombiano.com. Spanish.
2. Web site: Miguel Monsalve, entre la autocrítica, consejos de sus padres, sueños e inicios: esta es su historia. Miguel Monsalve, between self-criticism, advice from his parents, dreams and beginnings: this is his story. Sebastián. Gómez. 13 January 2023. 29 March 2023. gol.caracoltv.com. Spanish.
3. Web site: Next Generation 2021: 60 of the best young talents in world football. Marcus. Christenson. 7 October 2021. 7 October 2021. theguardian.com.
4. Web site: ¿Fue difícil? Monsalve y el pulso que ganó a Ángel para Sudamericano. It was difficult? Monsalve and the pulse that won Angel for South America. 7 January 2023. 29 March 2023. futbolred.com. Spanish.
5. Web site: Miguel Monsalve: el sello creativo del Medellín. Miguel Monsalve: the creative hallmark of Medellín. Andrés. Osorio Guillott. 21 January 2023. 29 March 2023. elespectador.com. Spanish.