Peñarol unveils Gonzalo Gellini, the Boca winger who could debut in the clasico against Nacional

He landed in Uruguay on a Wednesday, suitcase still warm from the flight, and by the next day he was already on the grass at Los Aromos. That's how fast things moved for Gonzalo Gellini, the 19 year old Argentine winger Peñarol brought in on loan from Boca Juniors, who wasted no time putting himself under Diego Aguirre's command.

The kid didn't hide his excitement on day one. As soon as that first training session with the black and gold squad wrapped up, he stepped up to the microphones and said exactly what any fan wants to hear from a brand new signing.

I'm really happy to be here and for the opportunity. Thanks to the fans and the whole club for the welcome. We're going for everything. Let's go, Peñarol!Gonzalo Gellini

No beating around the bush, none of the canned lines you'd expect from someone who just got off the plane. Straight to the point, brimming with enthusiasm, like someone who knows he's landed a huge opportunity and has no intention of letting it slip.

Aguirre already has the clasico in mind

What stands out is that Gellini might not have to wait long for his official debut. At Thursday's press conference, Diego Aguirre confirmed that the young winger will already be part of the squad for none other than the clasico against Nacional in the Torneo Clausura. Quite the introduction for someone who hasn't even completed a full week at the club.

The coach also showered praise on the winger's ability, hinting that his speed and knack for beating defenders had already won him over after just one training session.

He'll definitely be part of the squad for the clasico. You have no idea how Gellini plays, the guy flies.Diego Aguirre

Will a couple of training sessions be enough to throw him into the starting lineup for a match of that magnitude? That's a question only Aguirre himself can answer as the days go by, but the message has already been sent: the coach trusts the young player's ability and doesn't plan on keeping him on the bench for long.

For Gellini, the challenge is twofold. On one hand, adapting quickly to a different style of soccer, with a different pace and intensity. On the other, doing it right in the buildup to a Uruguayan clasico, the kind of match that leaves no room for timidity. The loan from Boca gives him the chance to rack up minutes that might have taken longer to come by in Buenos Aires, and Peñarol, right out of the gate, seems ready to bet big on him.