Alejandro Garnacho made his fifth Argentina appearance and first ever start for his country this week, getting a well earned opportunity.
The Manchester United wonderkid played 71 minutes in a 3-1 victory, creating two goalscoring chances and landing two shots on target. However, his wait for a first goal goes on.
Just being selected as a starter is a sign Argentina value him highly. This summer the Copa America awaits, although manager Lionel Scaloni was cagey about who might be selected.
Quoted by Mais Futebol, Scaloni said: “There is only a guaranteed place for those who weren’t here, you know who [Messi] is, the rest will have to work. Well, Fideo [Di Maria] too, that’s guaranteed.”
Alejandro Garnacho is optimistic though. He sent a three-word message out on Instagram which read: “Nos vemos pronto,” translating as “See you soon”.
Reaction to Alejandro Garnacho display for Argentina v Costa Rica
Manchester United fans were impressed with what they saw from Alejandro Garnacho, whether they watched live, or a highlight package. It was a confident performance from the teenager, keen to prove he belonged at this level.
The Argentine press gave a lukewarm thumbs up. More is still expected from any player who is seen as a potential heir to Lionel Messi, but there is reason to be optimistic. Garnacho is always looking to make something happen.
Lionel Scaloni remarked that it is not easy to play for the World Cup winners, but was pleased with Garnacho’s contribution.
Argentine TV pundit Mariano Closs believes there is some adjustment required, quoted via Bola VIP: “It seems to me that he plays differently than the Argentine National Team and the Argentine National Team plays differently than him.
“I’m not saying he’s a good, average or bad player. I’m saying that he still doesn’t play at the pace of the National Team.”
Alejandro Garnacho numbers for Argentina v Costa Rica
The Manchester United youngster made the most of his playing time on his first start for Argentina, keen to make an impression.
Here are the key statistics from his time on the pitch against Costa Rica.
- 71 minutes played
- 57 Touches
- 87 per cent pass accuracy
- 6 Duels Won
- 4 Fouls Won
- 2 Successful Dribbles
- 12 Touches in opposing penalty box
- 2 Shots on target
- 2 Chances created
Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund show support
Alejandro Garnacho is one of three young stars Manchester United are building around, along with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund. We all remember that picture of them posing together on the advertising hoardings during the win over West Ham last month.
The bond between them is tight, as you would imagine. Garnacho and Mainoo even made their under-18s debut in the same match. They went on to win the FA Youth Cup together, and are now starring for the first team, and their countries.
After Mainoo’s England debut, Garnacho responded by hailing him as ‘simply incredible‘.
Add Hojlund into the mix and United have a really promising trio. Both players responded to Garnacho’s message to show their support.
Garnacho’s ‘see you soon’ message could be interpreted in other ways too. He is heading back to Manchester, to resume the season with his club colleagues.
Along with Mainoo and Hojlund, all three could be in the starting line-up when Manchester United face Brentford this week.
It’s a new challenge for the young trio, who are all first choice at United now, as they adjust to the demands of a packed fixture schedule, with three games in eight days upcoming.
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