Argentina’s “Ol’ Big Head” and his namesake would indeed be considered polar opposites.

One an outspoken, colourful, footballing eccentric. The other a quiet, unassuming, and many would say underrated tireless midfielder, beginning to make a name for himself in the domestic.

“El Cabezon” César Marcelo Meli is however a name that is beginning to hit the headlines. And with a triple header of fiery Superclásico’s against arch-rivals River Plate around the corner, Boca Juniors’ very own little-big head could well prove pivotal to their long overdue success.

The summer of 2014 saw a multitude of arrivals at La Bombonera. Boca keen to revert a baron recent period, recruited heavily. Among the many was Cesar Meli (20 June 1992, Salto Argentina) perhaps only notable among the plethora of stars due to the protracted nature of his transfer.

Meli’s first club Club Atlético Colón where keen to retain their promising, young midfielder. In the same way that Los Xeneizes where eager to recruit a player who already at that time had shown considerable promise in his early outings. The stalemate finally broken by the inclusion of the loan to El Sabalero of another promising youngster (who has since returned from his apprenticeship) Cristian Pavón, and thus Boca had their man.

Just over 12 months on, and perhaps to the surprise of many Cesar Meli has established himself as a key component in an all-star Boca Juniors XI. Having been progressively introduced into the side under Carlos Bianchi, the arrival of his successor Rodolfo “El Vasco” Arruabarrena midway through last seasons campaign, saw the beginning of a progressive evolution both in status, and on the field contribution for the now established Boca midfielder.

Most comfortable playing the “Number 8” box-to-box midfielder position, Meli’s dynamic, all action style has seen him the embrace the “third man running” role and make it his own. Indeed the Torneo 2015 has seen Cesar Meli add goals to a game that already included an insatiable work rate, and an ultra competitive, tough tackling attitude.

And with Boca Juniors heading into the Superclásico series without two of their most dependable holding midfielders Cristian “Pichi” Erbes and Adrián Cubas. Not only will Meli’s work-rate undoubtedly increase, but so hill will his importance to any potential Boca success over rivals River Plate.

So when everybody else is focusing on the “star names” the likes of Dani Osvaldo, Teó Gutiérrez, Nico Lodeiro, Rodrigo Mora and Co. Take a look over at the pint-sized Meli, who will most certainly be involved in almost all of his sides defending and attacking And who knows, Boca and Argentina’s “Ol’ Big Head” may go someway to making himself as much of a name as his progenitor!