Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has reflected on his journey towards professional football and how representing his country accelerated his development.
Allende, 26, made his senior debut for Chile at the age of 22 under then head coach Martin Lasarte – the highly-rated Uruguayan tactician once also at the helm of Al Ahly.
It was an inevitable rise for the talented midfielder who captained the U20 and U17 sides, where he led them to the U17 FIFA World Cup last round of 16 and the South American games title at U20 level.
His potential was clear and earned the attentions of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal but work-permit issues prevented the move to the Premier League before he enjoyed stints in Mexico and Uruguay – before the move to Sundowns in July 2022.
“Playing for my country at different levels helped me grow faster. You learn to handle pressure and to stay focused even when things are difficult,” Allende said in Sundowns Magazine.
“The [youth national team] coaches always reminded us that talent is only the beginning; it is discipline and attitude that take you forward. Those lessons still guide me every day.”
Allende being capped only once by the senior Chile national team makes him still eligible to switch his international allegiance, should he gain South African citizenship after five years in the country.
