2024-07-03 03:01:00
With Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Otamendi and Julián Alvarez as seniors, the coach of the Argentina U-23 National Team, Javier Mascherano, announced this Tuesday lthe list of 18 players for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In this competition, the national team managed to win the gold medal in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Since the preparation of the list began, Mascherano had serious problems getting the 18 players together who will defend the U-23 jersey; from the problem of European teams not wanting to release their players, to strategic changes and last-minute revelations, where some players took on more importance than others.
The unexpected casualties
One of the objectives main points of the coach It was Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, but Aston Villa refused to release their goalkeeper. For this, Mascherano opted for Rullianother experienced archer –with a present at Ajax- and who is currently playing in the Copa América with the Senior Team.
The other two older players who will accompany the U-23 will be the defender Otamendi (Benfica) and The front Alvarez (Manchester City)who They had already expressed their desire to be part of Paris 2024 and showed a strong stance towards their clubsthus obtaining permission to travel to France.
Among the most important casualties are Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and Alan Varela (Porto)two key players for the midfield, but shortly after giving the list, it was confirmed that Their clubs were denied permission to compete in the Olympic Games.
They were joined by Valentín Barco (Brighton), Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton) and Santiago Castro (Bologna)so the coaching staff had to look for other alternatives for their positions.
The 18 summoned
The AFA made the list of players official who will represent and seek gold at the 2024 Olympics, in which the archers Rulli and Leandro Brey (Boca Juniors).
Defenders: Joaquin Garcia (Velez), Otamendi, Julio Soler (Lanus), Bruno Amione (Santos Laguna), Mark of Caesar (Racing) and Gonzalo Lujan (San Lorenzo).
Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez (Boca Juniors), Christian Medina (Boca Juniors), Santiago Hezze (Olympiacos), Kevin Zenon (Boca Juniors) and Claudio Echeverri (River Plate).
Forwards: Thiago Almada (Atlanta United FC), Alvarez, Lucas Beltran (Fiorentina), Luciano Gondou (Argentinos Juniors) y Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid).
Reservations
With the list of 18 the name of was also presented four players which may be considered in case a replacement is needed on the original list.
They are Fabricio Iacovich (Students), Aaron Quiros (Banfield), Juan Nardoni (Racing), y Federico Redondo (Inter Miami, United States).