Mina had stood out for his physical strength and his titles, but it was not until the 2018 World Cup that his name resonated in the world

The Colombian Yerry Fernando Mina González gained notoriety after his extraordinary performance at the 2018 World Cup with only 23 years of age. El Tiempo emphasizes his career, and mentions that his career began formally in 2013 at Deportivo Pasto. After a year there, Mina moved to the Santa Fe Independent Club and began his professional career. The team won the title of champion in the Águila-II League and, the following year in 2015, was crowned in both the Superliga and the Copa Sudamericana, a tournament in which he won the distinction as best young player

Leer en español: Rapidez, altura y corpulencia: Las cualidades de Yerry Mina para brillar en Europa

In 2016, the player was transferred to the Palmeiras of Brazil, a club that paid 3.2 million euros for his recruitment according to Goal.com, a portal that also claims that Mina was selected as the best defender of the Brasileirão, as well as being crowned with the 'Verdao', champion of the series A of that country.

His debut in the Colombian national team took place in October 2016 in the Copa America Centenario, and then he was called to the qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup. On June 4, 2018, the technician Néstor José Pékerman confirmed him in the group of 23 players who would attend the World Cup.

In January 2018, Mina wore the shirt of FC Barcelona, ​​and according to the portal Sport, his contract was given for the final sum of 11.8 million euros. Mina came in to replace the Argentine Javier Mascherano, who had gone to Chinese football, becoming one of the youngest players in the squad and the one with the highest stature with 1.95 meters.

Also read: Lautaro Martinez, the Argentine who will wear the '10' at Inter Milan

World Russia 2018

Although the Colombian team only reached the last 16 in the last World Cup Russia 2018, after losing to England on penalties, this was not an impediment for this South American to position himself as one of the most outstanding players of the tournament, according to the FIFA.

FIFA describes the players who were "unexpected stars" and who surprised during the World Cup. The Federation describes Mina and says that "… he is a robust center, but with class. … His talent was unknown to most of the public. However, his formidable performances, both in defense and attack, have turned his situation around. … The corpulent figure of Yerry Mina has remained etched in the memory of many ".

Along with the 1.95-meter-tall central defender, four more players were recognized by FIFA as outstanding: Kieran Trippier (England side), Denis Cheryshev (Russia), Takashi Inui (Japan) and Kasper Schmeichel (Archer of Denmark).

With FC Barcelona

"With your feet on the ground and your eyes in the sky" … Because the moment you step on the lawn of the Camp Nou for the first time is always special

And Yerry Mina did it barefoot, following her particular ritual
https://t.co/1KQaTnGvDu

# ForçaBarça # BeBarça pic.twitter.com/4WAlXZ46XB

– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 13, 2018

According to Sport, since the match played on May 13, 2018 between Barcelona and Levante, in which the Blaugranas fell 5-4, Mina was identified as one of those responsible for alleged defensive carelessness. Since then, Barcelona confirmed to be in search of a new central defender but nothing would be decided until the World Cup ended.

Many are the rumors that have arisen about what will happen to Yerry Mina. According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Boca Juniors would be interested in a Colombian loan for 12 months with an option to buy, also Olympique de Lyon would be interested in including the ex-palmeira in its squad, changing the assignment of Marlon Santos for the of the Colombian defender.

However, Mina has as a priority to continue in Barcelona according to an article by Mundo Deportivo, which also highlights that there are other offers are, as it has also been rumored that Everton, Fenerbahce and Zenit have an interest in him. His uncle and representative will travel to Barcelona to meet with the club's representatives and decide what will happen to him in the next season.

Speed and height are some of the qualities of the Colombian defender to excel in the field, so take advantage of their conditions is essential to stand out in the air and score goals. Maybe, he can be compared to Raphael Varane or Samuel Umtiti. However, it cannot be denied that Mina could become one of the best central defenders in South America playing in Europe.

LatinAmerican Post | Daniela Escalante
Translated from “Rapidez, altura y corpulencia: Las cualidades de Yerry Mina para destacar en Europa”