5. Andres D’Alessandro: ’99 – ’03 & 2016: 87 apps 22 gls
– El Cabezón – the big head
Born and bred in Buenos Aires D’Alessandro came through the club’s famed youth system and shot to prominence during the late 90s.
Thought to be too small to make it as a professional at one point, he was given his nickname due to his head looking rather large on his wiry frame.
D’Alessandro starred in various international youth competitions for Argentina, before cementing his place in River’s first team as the team’s chief creator. His inventive dribbling ability and trickery were a joy to watch, coupled with his passing and long range shooting – all done with his glorious left-foot. Captaining the side at such a young age, he led los Millonarios to three Clausura titles before leaving for Europe and experiencing life in Germany, England and Spain.
Returning to South America in 2008 with Brazilian side Internacional – where he won the Copa Sudamericana, then lifted the Copa Libertadores in 2010 – he remains a lifelong River fan, and even enjoyed another stint at his hometown club, on loan in 2016.
