Manchester United talent Alejandro Garnacho is being made to work hard by Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
Alejandro Garnacho has been on the fast-track to success at Manchester United after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
Within two years, Garnacho was winning the FA Youth Cup, and later in 2022 he was scoring his first goal for Manchester United, from a Cristiano Ronaldo assist.
His progress with Argentina has also been impressive, simply to be involved with the national team is noteworthy at 20. But it has been a slower march to success.
Alejandro Garnacho’s Argentina high
This past international break has been one of mixed success for Alejandro Garnacho. He had his best game yet for his country, along with a reality check.
Garnacho played his first ever Argentina game in his homeland, coming off the bench in a win over Chile.
Impressively, Garnacho made his mark in front of his home fans too, providing an assist for Paulo Dybala to score the team’s third in the 3-0 win.
Garnacho’s link-up with Dybala was one he had dreamed of, and manager Lionel Scaloni praised his contribution.
Scaloni also warned he will continue to take Garnacho’s ascendancy slowly, and this was proved in Argentina’s follow up game with Colombia.
Alejandro Garnacho’s Argentina low
At the Copa America, Garnacho was kept in reserve, used only for the group game with qualification already assured. When it really matters, Scaloni is not yet ready to count on him as one of the team’s top options – even with Lionel Messi out injured.
Argentina’s match with Colombia was a re-match of the Copa America final. Colombia made their home advantage count this time, and won the game 2-1.
Garnacho was an unused substitute. Scaloni made five changes, and the Manchester United prospect was not among them.
It was a reality check for the United wonderkid, reminding him that despite his breakthrough moment in the previous game, he still has another step to take.
Garnacho kept hungry
Lionel Scaloni may reflect that perhaps he should have used Garnacho, with his side losing the match 2-1.
Yet in principle, Garnacho being kept hungry for more is smart management on Scaloni’s part, given Argentina’s wealth of options.
Garnacho is tipped as a possible successor to Lionel Messi in Argentina, he is the most valuable youngster from the country since the former Barcelona star emerged.
Reminding him that he has to work hard and that nothing comes easy, is no bad thing. It could shape him into the player Argentina eventually need him to become.
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