Arca, who is of Italian descent, joined the Wearsiders in a £3.5 million five-year deal and made his Premiership debut against West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

Boss Peter Reid spotted Arca playing for the Under-21s against England at Craven Cottage last season and tracked him until completing the signing in July.

Arca's previous club, Argentinos Juniors, also shaped footballing stars Maradona, before he went to Boca Juniors, and Redondo, who went on to play for Real Madrid.

Arca is Reid's most expensive signing of the summer and is second behind Stefan Schwarz as the club's record buy.

Still only 19, the youngster is tipped for the brightest of futures and full international honours in the near future.