Very few players worth watching in this callup, Casierra, Quiñones, maybe Gomez. We knew this was going to be a C team, but IMHO there are some players left out that have a better chance to be in a real callup, than this bunch. What the heck happened to Alzate?
I assume Cucho is going to only play against Mexico. There is no way Columbus is going to let him play against Venezuela.
As for the rest of the roster itself It is intriguing yet generally underwhelming as people have mentioned. Kinda answers one of my main questions about the team though. Ospina is being given a chance to earn back his starting spot. Or at least show what he can do. I love the guy but the Colombian league Keepers should have been given a chance in these games.
Maybe Gomez, Mosquera and Taton won't get their clubs' blessings to play in the Sub 23 tournament. Just these friendlies. Although MLS in the case of Gomez has been a little lenient in the past when it comes to letting players go.
Vera was pretty bad at LB. As a CB in MLS looked pretty good. He is a good FK specialist too from what I have seen. At least puts some hard shots on goal in those situations.
Against Venezuela I would like to see: --------------------Ospina----------- JD Mosquera--Reyes--Vera------Fori? -----------Campuzano---Castano ----------------Poveda?--------------- Gomez-----Cassiera----------Henry Mosquera
can’t see him not starting the millos guys especially the super old one…. Super odd to call a 36 year old then not start him
You could be right. Although there are two matches so I can see Macalister starting just the Mexico match since that may be the more difficult one. From what I am hearing Venezuela is bringing mostly Sub 23 players.
As for Mexico, I was kinda wondering if they might call up Quiñones but America is in the Semis of the Mexican liguilla so he probably won't be called.
Through 6 WCQ games, thought it would be cool to know who has been getting the most appearances: GK Camilo Vargas - 5 Alvaro Montero - 2 CB Jhon Lucumi - 4 Davinson Sanchez - 4 Yerry Mina - 3 Carlos Cuesta - 2 RB/LB Daniel Munoz - 4 Deiver Machado - 4 Yerson Mosquera - 3 Cristian Borja - 2 Willer Ditta - 1 Santiago Arias - 1 Frank Fabra - 1 CM Mateus Uribe - 6 Jefferson Lerma - 4 Richard Rios - 3 Kevin Castano - 3 Wilmar Barrios - 3 Juan Cuadrado - 1 AM Luis Diaz - 6 James Rodriguez - 6 Jhon Arias - 5 Jorge Carrascal - 5 Luis Sinisterra - 4 Juan Fernando Quintero - 1 Jaminton Campaz - 1 FW Rafael Santos Borre - 6 Jhon Duran - 3 Jhon Cordoba - 2
Again, which quiñones is this? If we're still talking about the Julian guy, he's gone mexican so he's out of the picture
These 2 games are totally meaningless and neither team is great so I think the callup is fine, maybe someone will surprise us
That is old news that he is out of the picture. I was referring to seeing him play against Colombia. But America is in the Semis. It would have been an intriguing subplot to the game in my opinion.
Not sure if I agree with "meaningless". Sure, they are just friendlies... ... and Non-FIFA friendlies which does make them less appealing. That said, these friendlies can give opportunities to players that never would be given otherwise. Remember, the last friendly match of this kind we had players like Montero, Castaño get a chance and they are now contributors to our World Cup Qualifying.
im not sure what position Poveda is but I thought he was a winger, although it might be that the english just like to stick him on the wing which is what they do with a lot of players
I think that is the case. I have heard him say in an interview he sees himself as someone who can play attacking mid. If I remember correctly he said that his idols were James and JuanFer.
if he is any kind of an attacking midfielder, im hoping he also incorporates a bit of work rate into his game, seeing as he has always played in England and players who do not track back are immediately ostricized. basically the antithesis of the colombian league
The games give minutes to players who usually don’t get called up. If someone steps up, they may get invited back to friendlies and maybe earn a copa America roster spot. we still need to find depth in several positions.
one more point to add - these are the games that @crzdcolombian wants us to have more of. This is the NT’s way of making of him happy LOL
Castano wasn't called. Did you Gomez or Jader Quinones? I think this is both the best and most likely lineup, other than Poveda. I haven't seen him play anything but wing since his sub 20 days. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he put in Macka Silva... Whatever the case, I'm actually excited to see those front 3. Each have a chance at becoming legit NT starters one day if things go well for them or if injuries mount up.
wish we’d call more guys up. So the excuse that they are not adapted to the NT that’s why we keep calling Fabra and Mojica
Speaking of clubs, one thing that is really a head scratcher to me is Cassiera getting permission from Zenit to play in these matches. He is the top scorer in the league. Having him fly out all the way to Ft Lauderdale and Los Angeles with chances of injury in matches like this seems odd to risk. Unless they felt really bad for him for missing the FIFA break during qualifiers or something I am not sure why they let him come. (Looking at their schedule it does seem like there is an upcoming long break until March so I guess that made it easier for them to send him.) I am not complaining either way because I want to see him start and gain some brownie points with Lorenzo. Just seems a bit surprising.
The Russian league goes on winter break after this weekend, so he's only going to miss one game, and even if he gets injured, he will have 3 months to recover.