An Anchor Behind: Jeison Murillo

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Jeison Murillo

Age: 23

Club: Inter Milan

Nationality: Colombian

Position: Center Back

What happens when you’re 23 years old, play on one of the most exciting national teams in the world, and win Best Young Player at last year’s Copa America? Well, for starters, you wind up on Best Young Player watch lists, like this one. Yes, Murillo, it seems, has made his way to the promised land before, stealing last year’s Best Young Player award from Neymar, and Raul Jimenez.

Last February, just before his triumph in Chile, Murillo was transferred to Inter Milan, where he promptly signed a five-year deal. Since then, he’s started almost 75% of his club’s matches, and has 28 caps to his name. Before joining the Nerazzurri, Murillo played with Spanish club Granada, where he made his La Liga debut in 2013.

While it may be hard to get excited over a center back, remember this: since making his international debut with Colombia in 2014, Murillo has seen action 16 times for the South American power, and likely will see a good deal of time this summer as well. Not bad for a man who shares the spotlight with stars like James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao.

How to cite this article: “The Young Guns” Written by Shaker Samman (2016), Copa America Centenario 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/copa-america-centenario-2016-guide/the-young-guns/ (accessed on (date)).