No doubt. I was not trying to imply that it had anything to do with merit. Just that he is on the roster now when he was not before. I actually do not want him playing & give Lorenzo any ideas.
Castaño last played well probably in May of 2025, right before the CWC.. after that it’s been a series of stinker after strinker, and the fans have long lost their patience with him. Outside of the extensively long poor form, there were rumors of bad locker room behavior on his part which is what caused Coudet to pretty much exile him til now. Who knows what happened… all that is clear is that Chacho wasn’t at all happy with his off-the-field antics. They are essentially just waiting for the next transfer window to open to offload him. As for JFQ, he’s still balling out there with his unique genius making flashes here and there. But you’re right in that he is far from being at peak fitness levels: with Gallardo he would start much more often than with Coudet (who subs him in instead), but regardless with both coaches he would never complete the full 90 minutes. But that’s the story of Juan Fer throughout his entire career, isn’t it? He has always been the player that tires out quickly and gets injured regularly, but he can also define entire matches with a single brilliant pass or shot. In the end —especially when we’re talking WC rosters— it comes down to if that brilliance is worth sacrificing the spot of a more fit player who can provide that physical intensity throughout the tournament. These are details that win/lose games, even tournaments. IMO Juan Fer is a one-of-a-kind difference maker and should be there, but I can see how an argument could be made for someone else to take his spot, especially with him having barely played less than 200 minutes altogether in the last two months. How does Lorenzo view him generally? Does he have a spot in the roster, or is it kind of up for grabs?
thanks for the insights. Lorenzo pretty much uses JFQ as cover for James. They never play at the same time. the only time they ever were on together was 2018 World Cup against Poland and it was one of the best games I ever saw us play. But that was 8 years ago. given James’ fitness levels and the fact our first two games have elevation considerations, I don’t know what Lorenzo is thinking if he is thinking at all. To a fault he has been stubborn with lineups and subs.
Speaking of Quintero… not having his finest night tonight vs Carabobo. Looking slow and sluggish, and just missed a PK with the game 0-0 Still early though, barely 25 mins in
FYI. Campaz did not play today for Rosario Central in their 3-1 win over Independiente muscle injury 1-2 weeks. Santi Arias played the full 90 - has a solid streak of 6 consecutive games playing the full 90 and prior to the March friendlies was easing his way into the system.