Javier Saviola

Javier Pedro Saviola (born December 11, 1981 in Buenos Aires, Argentina) is an Argentine football player.

Related Topics:
December 11 - 1981 - Buenos Aires - Argentina - Football

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He made his debut for Argentine side River Plate at the age of 16, and went on to be a prolific goalscorer and develop a reputation as a phenomenal prospect.

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Saviola starred in the 2001 edition of the World Youth Cup, held in (and won by) Argentina. He was top scorer and was voted player of the tournament. That summer, he moved on to FC Barcelona where he had two irregular seasons, as coaches (Louis Van Gaal and later Frank Rijkaard) were not impressed with his abilities, and did not allow Saviola to become a staple of the team.

Related Topics:
2001 - World Youth Cup - FC Barcelona - Louis Van Gaal - Frank Rijkaard

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In the summer of 2004, Saviola was transferred, on loan, to AS Monaco FC of the French league. In the summer of 2005, Sevilla Saviola was transfered, on loan, to Sevilla of La Liga, to replace Julio Baptista who had transfered to Real Madrid.

Related Topics:
2004 - AS Monaco FC - French league - 2005 - Sevilla - La Liga - Julio Baptista - Real Madrid

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Javier Saviola played in the 2004 Olympic Games and won the Olympic Gold Medal with the Argentine squad.

Related Topics:
2004 Olympic Games - Gold Medal - Argentine squad

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Under coach Marcelo Bielsa, Saviola had few playing opportunities for Argentina, but after Bielsa's resignation in 2004, new coach José Pekerman has given Saviola more play.

Related Topics:
Marcelo Bielsa - José Pekerman

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