Agüero confident Tevez can spring a surprise with Independiente

Former Independiente star Sergio Agüero believes that the sky's the limit for the club in 2024, as he looks forward to seeing Carlos Tevez's charges in action.

Tevez took over in Avellaneda during the Copa de la Liga campaign towards the end of last year and just missed out on a play-off spot, though his stewardship was key in taking the Rojo out of relegation trouble.

Speaking to the Times last year, Agüero praised his former Argentina team-mate and stated that under his watch, Independiente had what it takes to “play a leading part across all tournaments.”

That strong debut campaign saw Tevez rewarded with a three-year contract, while Independiente have also strengthened on the pitch with the arrivals of Gabriel Ávalos and Ignacio Maestro Puch among others.

And ‘El Kun’ has doubled down on his previous forecast, predicting that the vagaries of the Argentine football calendar open the door for his beloved Rojo to turn a few heads in the Copa.

"Argentina's tournament is a whole other animal from its European counterparts, and that makes it even harder to predict,” he told Stake.com.

“There are 28 teams in two zones – that creates a whole different dynamic. Boca and River are the permanent candidates, but surprises abound. I hope Carlos Tevez can give Independiente a chance for the top position."

While Argentina still basks in its status as football world champion, in Venezuela the next generation are in action as the U23s look to clinch a place in this year's Olympic Games.

New Brighton signing Valentín Barco and River's Claudio Echeverri are two of the most promising talents from that crop and Agüero believes the future looks bright for the Albiceleste too.

"The next Argentina superstar? There are quite a few candidates. Barco was transferred to Brighton, and [Gianluca] Prestianni to Benfica,” he added.

“Many of the U-17/U-20 players could have a move to Europe in their near future. What I've noticed is that their move to Europe is coming even earlier in their career, so I wouldn't be surprised that the big clubs have some targets in mind already."