Although he didn’t contribute a great deal to Nacional’s Uruguay Primera Division success and Copa Libertadores semi final run in the 2008/09 season, Coates was still named 2008/09 Uruguayan Championship Revelation of the Season despite only playing in the first team for three months. At the end of the season, Coates was called up for the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt and also featured in the South American Youth Championships in the same year.
After continuing to impress for Nacional the following season, Coates got his first call up to the Uruguayan senior side for the World Cup playoff against Costa Rica in November. Although he didn’t feature in either leg of the crucial tie, he was certainly a player in the thoughts of the Uruguayan management and only missed out on a World Cup squad place last summer because they felt he didn’t have the required experience.
In the 2009/10 season, Coates had some stand out performances despite Nacional missing out on the domestic league title. In the Copa Libertadores against Banfield, he impressed in a tie away from home, scoring and setting up the other goal in a 2-0 win. After another impressive campaign last year, Coates was called up for the 2011 Copa America.
With injuries to Diego Godin and Mauricio Victorino, Coates was paired with Diego Lugano in central defence. Nicknamed Luganito (Little Lugano), Coates enjoyed playing alongside his idol as Uruguay only conceded two goals the entire tournament, contributing greatly to Uruguay’s triumph. Although still tired from his exertions in Argentina, Coates could really make a big impact if he does make his predicted move to Anfield. Coates coincidentally has Scottish ancestry too, which will surely endear him to Kenny Dalglish!
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Good info; I, personally, can’t wait. The lad looks like dynamite from what I’ve seen of him recently. The composure of Hyypia with the dynamism of Agger going forward when we first got him.
Could’nt agree more, he earned himself rave reviews in the Copa. I’m interested in whether Kenny will continue to strengthen with Cahill or not. I stil feel we are short one, but Coates could be the final signing.
Great signing n i think we don’t need any more CBs.
Him n Agger to start n Carra n Skrtel on the bench.
Now one quality striker Plz!!!!!