Argentina's Giovanni Simeone following in his father's footsteps

Argentina U-20 forward Giovanni ‘Cholito’ Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, is proving to be a chip off the old block.

The eldest Simeone made his name as a hard-nosed midfielder for numerous European clubs, as well as with Argentina with whom he made 112 international appearances. ‘Cholo’ Simeone wasn’t known for goal scoring or playmaking. The defensive midfielder was a physical presence whose passion and determination rubbed off on his teammates, and unsettled many opponents.

As a manager, Diego Simeone has led a renaissance in the Spanish capital, and he has done that by instilling the philosophy that worked so well for him as a player. Atletico Madrid play every game “with a knife between their teeth”, similar to the way Simeone did during his playing days.

Giovanni Simeone is carrying the family mantle and showing that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree.

The 19-year-old forward is currently competing for Argentina’s under-20 side in the South American Youth Football Championship in Uruguay. The tournament’s top four teams qualify for the 2015 U-20 World Cup, the best team qualifies directly for the 2016 Summer Olympics, and the runner-up gets to compete in a playoff for a chance to take part in the Olympics. Teams finishing third through sixth qualify for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Giovanni is currently leading the competition in scoring with seven goals and has helped Argentina advance to the final stages of the tournament.

The striker has boundless energy and a fierce competitive edge – much like his father. But the difference between father and son is the younger Simeone’s proficiency around goal. Giovanni admits that he developed most of his football knowledge from his father, but the forward likens his play to current Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao.

‘Cholito’ has recounted stories of watching the former River Plate forward while he was making his way from South American football and later into Europe. Giovanni analyzed his movement, positioning, determination in-and-around the box and has made every attempt to follow in the footsteps of the striker who earned the nickname, ‘El Tigre”.

Giovanni was brought to River Plate by his father in 2008 when Diego was coach of the first team. Since that time the striker has made his way through the club’s youth system, before ultimately joining the senior squad where he helped Los Millonaires win the Argentina Primera Division and the Copa Sudamericana.

The South American Youth Football Championship is a virtual who’s who of football’s brightest prospects. European scouts have been seen monitoring the event and many moves are expected to be made in the coming months.

With his standout performance for Argentina, Giovanni is being heavily linked with a move to Europe. But with Atletico Madrid always looking to add quality and scoring options to their squad, most people wouldn’t be surprised to see the younger Simeone join his father in the Spanish capital at some point in the near future.