Granada’s manager Alexander Medina has admitted Facundo Pellistri has pleasantly surprised him due to his quality since signing on loan from Manchester United.
Pellistri joined Granada on loan until the end of the season in the January transfer window and the Spanish club are paying his wages in full. United received a loan fee and the winger has made a positive first impression in Andalusia, despite making just two appearances so far.
The 22-year-old has started both games he’s been available for and he scored and assisted against Barcelona last weekend as his side drew with last season’s La Liga champions.
Getafe boss Medina, who is also from Uruguay, spoke at a press conference and he was asked about Pellistri’s first weeks at the club, which prompted praise.
As quoted by Sport890, Medina said: “Facu Pellistri surprised me in the first talk we had, in these two weeks of work he has given us a lot and in defensive solidarity.
“I looked for Pellistri because he knew what he could give us. He meets all the conditions on the wing, he had his personal ambition for growth and that leaves me happy.
“With Barcelona, he made a lot of effort in defense to execute the pressure, he had a goal, an assist. He is consolidated in Europe and it is up to us to guide him, so this is a positive loan.”
Pellistri last started for United in September and his first-team opportunities were limited, with Erik ten Hag preferring Antony and Alejandro Garnacho on the right.
The youngster is a regular starter for Uruguay on the international stage but has failed to nail down a starting place at United.
United signed Pellistri from Penarol in a £9million deal on deadline day in October 2020 and he has played 24 times for the club.