Pablo Piatti

Club

International

Estudiantes

Born in Ucacha, Córdoba of Italian descent, Piatti was a product of Estudiantes de La Plata's youth ranks. He made the headlines when coach Diego Simeone gave him his first opportunity against Newell's Old Boys on 18 November 2006, as the player was just 17. He scored the winning goal (2–1) deep into injury time, and became one of the heroes of Estudiantes' championship-winning team. Piatti made the side's starting eleven in the 2007 Clausura tournament, alongside José Luis Calderón, José Sosa, and Juan Sebastián Verón.

Almería

After making 60 appearances in all competitions for Estudiantes in two years, Piatti was sold to Almería in Spain for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of €7 million. Initially an undisputed starter, notably netting in a 1–1 home draw against Real Madrid, he struggled after the arrival, midway through his first season, of Mexican coach Hugo Sánchez. In the 2009–10 campaign, without the presence of striker Álvaro Negredo, Piatti was much more depended upon in scoring matters and netted seven times in 35 matches, joint-second in the team as they finished in 13th position. On 23 September 2009, he opened and closed the 2–2 draw at Atlético Madrid and, in the second La Liga match between the two teams, netted a last-minute winner (1–0).

Valencia

On 5 July 2011, Almería and Valencia reached an agreement for the transfer of Piatti, with the player signing a five-year contract for a fee of €7.5 million.…

Shortly after making his senior debut for Estudiantes, Piatti was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. The youngest player in the roster, he managed to play six of seven games. On 5 June 2011, Piatti made his debut for the senior side, as national team boss Sergio Batista handed him a start in a 2–1 friendly loss to Poland.

Skillful and with an eye for goal, Piatti was capable of contributing to his team's attacking play by both scoring and assisting; moreover, he could shoot with either foot despite being naturally left-footed. Normally a winger, he was also able to play as a forward but was even deployed in a deeper and more creative role behind the main striker. He usually appeared on the left side of the pitch, although he could do so on the right flank. A dynamic, explosive and fleet-footed attacker, Piatti was known for his turn of pace, which along with his dribbling technique enabled him to get past opponents and make runs into the penalty area. Regarded as a promising player in his youth, his style was initially likened to that of compatriot Lionel Messi.