Liverpool target Samuel Martinez, a 17-year-old Colombian No 10 who moves like Kaka

When a teenage footballer is linked to a big European club, the clip farming on social media goes into overdrive. Instantly, that player has several highlight reels set to a poorly chosen electronic or hip-hop track. The hundreds of likes that those posts receive are followed by comparisons to established current players or retired greats.

That’s precisely what has occurred with 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Samuel Martinez. His standout performances for Colombia during the CONMEBOL Under-17 championship in April were converted into short viral clips and reshared on X. His lanky frame, upright style of running and deceptive speed in short bursts conjured images of Brazilian legend Kaka.

Those characteristics give Martinez a unique profile, particularly for a South American No 10. But Colombia continues to produce players who thrive inside the central corridor of the pitch. The classic enganche is quite simply a playmaking attacking midfielder. Carlos Valderrama, the Colombian visionary midfielder from the 1990s, is still revered as one of the greats in that role.

His legacy remains relevant in Colombia. Former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez, and his Colombia team-mate, River Plate’s Juan Fernando Quintero, are examples of a more modern take on the position. At Atletico Nacional, where Martinez has thrived within the club’s elite academy development structure, No 10s are being molded with an intention to evolve the position.

Despite not having made his professional debut with Atletico Nacional, Martinez is following in the footsteps of the club’s latest young star, 21-year-old playmaker Juan Manuel Rengifo. Both players are examples of how the South American No 10 is changing to become more than just a possession-based role, but rather one that can function adequately within today’s European tactics.

Martinez could have the makings of a gem, but unless you attended Atletico Nacional’s academy matches, he was an unknown teenager in Colombia. Still, in April, European scouts were in Paraguay for the CONMEBOL U-17 Championship to get a firsthand look.

Martinez’s side were not billed as favourites, but rather contenders behind traditional youth heavyweights Argentina and Brazil. Colombia, though, immediately impressed. The team was fast and direct. And Martinez was at the center of tactical identity. Now, when watching youth international football, one must keep in mind that it’s teenagers facing teenagers.

Martinez stood tall, quite literally, among his peers. He showed high endurance and strong technical abilities. It’s a subtle trait, but the weight he puts on the ball when making short, medium and long-distance passing was polished. He takes calculated risks inside the opponent’s half and tends to look forward rather than laterally when he gains possession.

Again, he was facing players his own age, but his awareness and intelligence certainly caught the eye of several European clubs in attendance. After several impressive performances, reports linked Martinez to Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The German side appeared to be in pole position to sign the player, at least according to Martinez’s agent Daniel Neumuller.

After Colombia’s dominant 4-0 win over Argentina in the final in Paraguay, Neumuller spoke to AS Colombia and revealed the next steps for Martinez.

“The plan for him is to go to a club that has a concrete project for young players, like Bayern,” Neumuller said. Neumuller added that Bayern had been very hands-on in their recruitment of Martinez. The interest was genuine and the path to European football for Martinez began to crystallise. The U-17 championship became the ideal showcase for Martinez.

The messaging from his camp was to ease into the recruitment process. Martinez was excited about the possibility of making the move to Europe and hearing that massive clubs were interested must have felt like a dream come true.

“There are several interested clubs, especially from the Premier League,” Neumuller told AS Colombia. “It doesn’t have to be a big club, but rather one that guarantees Samuel will have the right development. The objective is for him to play, to adapt and grow as a player.”

Bayern Munich fans began to engage with Martinez’s skills videos on social media. The Colombian and international press in South America referred to Martinez as the next jewel. But it’s Liverpool that have appeared to have won the race to sign Martinez. He’ll remain with Atletico Nacional until his 18th birthday, and if the deal is completed, will join the club’s academy in Kirkby.

The news has reignited interest in Martinez, who became an overnight success just one month ago. The soft-spoken Martinez, who has described himself as the humble boy next door, was giving interviews on national television. Martinez told ESPN Colombia that he idolises Lionel Messi and former Liverpool and current Colombia star Luis Diaz.

Asked to describe his style of play, Martinez spoke eloquently about his own profile and skill set.

“The truth is, I like to change the pace going forward, always moving forward, taking on opponents,” he said. “I can keep possession and also help defend because it’s not just about attacking; now you have to defend too. And that’s what I enjoy the most: getting the ball, taking on defenders, and dribbling.”

The light is shining brighter than usual on Martinez. And his dreams are becoming a reality. His family has suggested he ignore the noise and international praise because the next step doesn’t guarantee success.

Still, Liverpool’s commitment could define his future as a professional footballer, but at 17, it’s best to take it one step at a time.

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