The rise of Ecuador's Moises Caicedo and Argentina's Enzo Fernandez to Premier League stardom was no coincidence.

The South American duo shattered British transfer records for their recent moves in England, but the story behind their high market value is backed by impeccable performances in the middle of the park.

Caicedo had a humble beginning at Independiente del Valle where he was spotted by Brighton & Hove Albion while Fernandez rose through the ranks at River Plate before his Benfica move.

Long before becoming midfield partners at Chelsea, the two players faced each other in the 2020 Copa Libertadores U20 final, with Caicedo enjoying the bragging rights.

Independiente del Valle triumphed over River Plate in Paraguay, but the final match offered an early glimpse of two talents destined for the biggest stages in world football.

Looking back to the 2020 Copa Libertadores U20 final

Six years ago, Caicedo and Fernandez started the Copa Libertadores U20 final in the Paraguayan city of Luque that ended in a 2-1 victory for Independiente del Valle.

Caicedo and Fernandez played a vital role in the game, but the midfield battle ended in favour of the former.

Goals from Daniel Bravo and Darlin Leiton steered the Ecuadorian outfit to their maiden success in the competition.

Bravo opened the scoring just before half-time by capitalising on a through pass from Jose Andres Hurtado in the second minute of added time.

After the restart, River Plate bagged their equaliser in the 63rd minute through Fernandez Benitez's calm finish from the penalty spot after Tomas Galvan was fouled.

With the game locked in an end-to-end affair, Leiton's moment of brilliance in the 71st minute sealed victory for Independiente del Valle as the team etched their names in history books.

Caicedo's influence in the youthful Independiente squad cannot be overlooked as they overcame Brazil's Flamengo, Chile's Colo Colo and Paraguay's Libertad on their way to success.

2020 Copa Libertadores U20 final players shining in Europe

26 players played in the 2020 Copa Libertadores U20 final, including each of the three substitutes made by Independiente del Valle and River Plate, but Caicedo and Fernandez stand out as the shining stars of the pack.

Caicedo has established himself as a leader at Chelsea while Fernandez is gradually finding his feet at Manchester City following his summer move from Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal's Piero Hincapie is another product of Independiente who played in the final match and he was a member of Mikel Arteta's squad that lifted the Premier League title last season.

Another player from the final who is making waves in Europe is Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Willian Pacho.

The 25-year-old has helped PSG lift successive French Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League titles since his signing from German club Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024.

Ecuador duo Jhoanner Chávez and Anthony Valencia are in the books of France's RC Lens and Belgium's Royal Antwerp, respectively, while a number of the 2020 Copa Libertadores U20 final generation still ply their trade across South America.