Alejandro Garnacho has established himself as a regular in Manchester United’s team this season, starting his 10th game of the season last night, and scoring a crucial goal.
Having been called into a preliminary Argentina squad last summer, he is being tipped to earn his first proper call-up in March’s international break.
World Cup winners Argentina are expected to turn to a youthful approach, and Marca report Garnacho is likely to be part of their upcoming selection.
Manager Lionel Scaloni was quoted by Filo this week: “We go to the merits and if you are 17 years old and [playing] very well and we believe that he has to be [selected], he will be.”
Garnacho a hot topic in Argentina
Garnacho is still technically eligible to declare for Spain as he has not made his debut for Argentina yet. This is likely to further accelerate his call-up.
The Manchester United winger has become a hot topic in Argentina over the past month, with his exploits at Old Trafford alongside Lisandro Martinez keeping him in the headlines, along with his social media posts and celebrations which angered Barcelona.
Even before his big goal at Old Trafford against West Ham in the FA Cup, Garnacho was a big talking point.
Argentine newspaper Ole wrote an opinion suggesting Garnacho needs some guidance, writing: “He will also have to be polished, so that they only talk about him for what he plays.”
There was also praise from former Argentine player and manager Alfio ‘Coco’ Basile, who won the Copa America twice as coach, told El Destape: “I love how he plays, he is talented.”
Argentine journalist Sebastián Vignolo was quoted by La Nacion discussing the need to get Garnacho committed to the national team.
He said: “Garnacho cannot escape us. You have to send someone to the house now.”
1986 World Cup winner Oscar Ruggeri also spoke up in defence of Garnacho, via La Nacion, commenting: “‘You have to have more personality.’ When they have more personality, pin!”
Ruggeri joked of the need to ensure Garnacho chooses Argentina, adding: “Every once in a while, you have to go accompany him for a few days.”
While Garnacho was born in Madrid, he is eligible to represent Argentina through his parents. He appears committed, celebrating the FA Youth Cup last season draped in his country’s flag.
Already making an impact at first team level, Garnacho is talented yet raw, and could have a big future. A proper international call is the next step in his development, and once he gets one, he will have to keep on performing to keep his place in a very talented squad.
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