FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.06.2008 18:06

A major promise for the future

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Martín Cáceres has come to Barça after a tremendous season at Recreativo Huelva. The 21 year old Uruguayan defender was a member of a team of eleven new Liga stars nominated by UEFA.

Martín Cáceres is Barça’s third signing for the 2008/09 season. Like Gerard Piqué, he is a young but promising centre back, who aged just 21 years has already shown his worth at Recreativo Huelva. The Uruguayan is a natural leader and was a key contributor to the Andalusian club ensuring another season of top flight football

A busy summer

After starting out with Defensor in Montevideo, Martín Cáceres made his leap to the big time in the summer of 1007. At the South American Under 20 championship, he helped Uruguay to third place and was named best defender of the tournament. He also performed well at the Under 20 World Cup in Canada, and attracted the interest of several big clubs in Europe.

Arrival in Spain

Villarreal signed his services, but sent him on loan to Recreativo Huelva. Cáceres, 1.82 cm tall, is strong in the air, fast, aggressive and versatile. As well as playing centre back, he can also fit in as a full back or defensive midfielder. He played 33 games for Recre, scoring twice, and collected ten yellow cards.

International recognition

His great form for Huelva won him plenty of plaudits. UEFA named him alongside Bojan Krkic in their team of promising new faces in the Spanish league, Martín Cáceres has also gone on to win a place in the Uruguayan senior side.