Proud Colombian
Moreno was not only born in Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, he has forged his career and blossoming reputation there.
Medellin was originally a Spanish settlement in the Aburra Valley of the Andes Mountains and, like much of South America, it has retained the Spanish language, meaning Moreno should fit in well with the many Spanish speakers already representing the Blues.
Style
An ability to play across the front line and blistering pace makes Moreno a nightmare for defenders to face.
Despite being only 5ft 7in, Moreno is strong on the ball in the often physical South American club game and his bag of tricks can allow him to escape the attentions of even the most determined defender.
Numbers
Moreno has 6 goals and 8 assists in 26 appearances for Atletico Nacional having spent much of his time featuring on either the left or right wing of the attack.
The 19-year-old also has one assist and one goal (against Costa Rica at this summer’s Copa America Centenario) from his seven appearances for Jose Pekerman’s Colombian side.
Ahead of his time
Moreno joined Atletico Nacional, arguably Medellin’s most historic club, at the age of 14 and it was only two years before he was well-known by all those involved in Colombian football, starring for the national U17 side.
After making his Atletico Nacional debut as a 17-year-old in June 2014, Moreno’s reputation continued to grow until he became an indispensable member of the side in 2015.
Record holder
Once Moreno was a regular in the Nacional attack, he guided them to the final of the Liga Aguila, Colombia’s premier football tournament, where he scored after only 30 seconds.
That goal against Junior holds the record as the quickest in Atletico Nacional’s history. It also guaranteed the Medellin club a penalty shootout, which they won.
Natural winner
The trophies didn’t stop there for the attacker, as he has most recently shined in Atletico Nacional’s run to Copa Libertadores success.
The 19-year-old has been considered by many to be the star man in only the second ever Libertadores triumph in Nacional’s history.
Social media
You can follow our new man on Instagram at marlon_1996.
