Why Garna has not played at Copa America so far
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has explained why Manchester United livewire Alejandro Garnacho is yet to feature in this summer's Copa America tournament so far.
Our 19-year-old Academy graduate was an unused substitute for both of Argentina's wins over Canada and Chile, which secured their qualification to the competition's knockout stages. Lisandro Martinez started both victories and helped to keep invaluable clean sheets.
Breaking into the starting XI of the reigning world champions is not an easy task, of course, and especially for a young forward learning from the likes of Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi.
Gracias dios.
— Alejandro Garnacho (@agarnacho7) June 18, 2024
Mi primera Copa América.🙏🏽
Todos juntos detrás de un sueño.
Vamosss! @Argentina 💙🤍
#17 pic.twitter.com/BASQ0birZO
Garnacho’s inclusion in the squad is recognition of his remarkable talent and he is working hard to take that next step.
Patience is the key and he may have a chance to impress in Argentina’s final group match, against Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday (01:00 BST).
While speaking to the media in recent days, Scaloni discussed the reasons behind Garna’s role so far: “I need to put him in, someone else has to come out,” he explained. “It is very easy for you, but it is not easy for me to make that decision.
“We would love for him to play because he is a boy who gives us a very good freshness, but when you make the game plan, he has the intention that maybe he can come in and then the game changes.
“He still hasn’t had the opportunity, but we hope to give it to him and that he can take advantage of it. If he does it well he makes it difficult for both the coach and his team-mate.”
Looking ahead of this weekend’s match against Peru, Scaloni continued: “It is possible that Garnacho and [Valentin] Carboni will play.
“Let’s see why there are more than 10 players on the bench. Don’t look at what the team is going to be like, but the logical thing would be that they have minutes because they are guys who can contribute to us.
“The boys who didn’t play these games are going to play because I need to see them and they deserve them.”
Return to the United App on Sunday morning to catch up on Argentina v Peru.