*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 July 2023
Miguel Ángel Monsalve Gonzáles (born 27 February 2004) is a Colombian footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Grêmio.
Club career
Born in Medellín, Monsalve began his career with local side Independiente Medellín at the age of four, following in the footsteps of his elder brother.[2][3] Despite clubs in Colombia not officially allowed to have players below the age of five, Monsalve impressed coaches and was enrolled in the academy.[3] He consistently stood out in the academy of Independiente, playing with players older than him each year, and was invited to train with the first team at the age of thirteen.[2]
He made his professional debut for the club on 15 October 2020 in a 1–1 draw with Jaguares de Córdoba in the Categoría Primera A. The following year, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the sixty best young players born in 2004 worldwide.[4]
International career
Monsalve has represented Colombia at under-20 level.[1]
Style of play
Monsalve describes himself as an attacking midfielder, but says he is also capable of playing in the front three.[5] A creative player, Monsalve has stated that he idolises Lionel Messi.[3][6]
^Osorio Guillott, Andrés (21 January 2023). "Miguel Monsalve: el sello creativo del Medellín" [Miguel Monsalve: the creative hallmark of Medellín]. elespectador.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 March 2023. (subscription required)
