The lights of Times Square make their show and hypnotize the thousands and thousands of tourists who pass through the busiest area of Manhattan. Across the Lincoln Tunnel, which connects New York and New Jersey under the Hudson River, the Argentine National team wants to shine again, arriving tonight in the city Frank Sinatra loved to think about. tomorrow’s showwhen you wear yours gala suit (read, Messi, Di María, Dibu Martínez …) to face Jamaica and put the finishing touches to this latest test on the US tour that ends this Tuesday at the Red Bull Arena, from 9pm.
True to his style, Lionel Scaloni has not hinted at the formation he intends to put in this second meeting (the first was the 3-0 against Honduras in Miami last Friday). In fact, in the final test of this Monday, also in Florida, at the Inter stadium, an informal meeting was held in which members of the technical staff, delegation staff and even the president of AFA, Claudio Tapia, participated. One way to relax and close with good vibes and fun is organized before November.
However, the DT is giving some guidance during training. And everything indicates that there will be a majority of regular holders before the entire Concacaf. After giving Gerónimo Rulli a chance in the first leg, Emiliano Martínez, holder of the Albiceleste goal, will now return to put his gloves under the three poles.
The defense will also undergo changes. The central duo will be formed by Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi, who have not added minutes to this tour so far. The Cuti thing was a particular case that annoyed Scaloni since the Tottenham defender only arrived in North America on Saturday because his visa processing was delayed.
Another one who rested on Friday and will now take the field is Angel Di María. Lionel Messi, as the coach said, always plays. Thus the 25 thousand people who will be at the stadium will be able to enjoy the best player in the world.
But the coaching staff is evaluating other changes to continue analyzing and giving minutes to players who do not have many opportunities. For this reason, those that could not have existed are two fixed numbers of the Scaloni cycle: Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul. This time the two would have a seat on the bench to show Guido Rodríguez and Alexis Mac Allister.
The former has entered the squad as a substitute in the position of Paredes, while the latter is still in the running for a place on the list of 26 players of the World Cup. His great presence at Brighton in England and his versatility to adapt to any midfield position make him add plenty of beans.
Thus, the Scaloneta will take the field again to try to extend the unbeaten record of 34 games and, even if they will play the last exhibition match on November 16 against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi (four days before the debut against the Saudi Arabia), officially culminate in preparation for the World Cup. Let it be a closure with more lights than those of the dazzling Time Square.
New Jersey, United States. Special delivery.
Nahuel Lanzillotta
Source: Clarin
