Éder Fabián Álvarez Balanta (Spanish pronunciation: ['eðe? 'alßa?es]; born 28 February 1993) is a Colombian footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Club Brugge.
His overall versatile capabilities have led him to be likened as one of the more promising young defenders from South America, earning praise even from Europe.
River Plate former coach Ramón Díaz has compared Álvarez Balanta's talents to that of 1970s legend Daniel Passarella.A Colombian international, he made his debut against Tunisia on 5 March 2014 and was later named in Colombia's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Álvarez Balanta is described by FIFA's official website as "left-footed, powerfully built, strong in the air and a fearless tackler ...