Juventus striker Carlos Tevez completed his Argentina comeback with confirmation of a place in Gerardo Martino’s preliminary Copa America squad, as the coach raised few eyebrows with a fairly predictable list of 30 players.
Newell’s Old Boys left-back Milton Casco, who won the 2013 Final championship with Martino when the trainer directed in Rosario, is one of the only surprises as the uncapped 27-year-old was called up. On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s Gerónimo Rulli was left disappointed when Mariano Andújar won the call ahead of the young talent between the posts.
Similarly to the 2014 World Cup, where Alejandro Sabella’s men fought to the final, Martino has prioritised experience over young promise. Stars such as Villarreal’s Luciano Vietto and Paulo Dybala of Palermo, both of whom are enjoying scintillating campaigns in Europe were overlooked in favour of veteran campaigner Maxi Rodríguez.
Martino will next have to trim the squad down to 23 members, ahead of the Copa America which kicks off in Chile next month. The Albiceleste will face Paraguay, Uruguay and Jamaica in the opening group phase.
Full Argentina Preliminary Squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Nahuel Guzmán, Mariano Andujar, Agustín Marchesin.
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Ezequiel Garay, Martín Demichelis, Marcos Rojo, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Roncaglia, Federico Fernández, Lucas Orban, Milton Casco.
Midfielders: Lucas Biglia, Javier Mascherano, Javier Pastore, Ever Banega, Fernando Gago, Roberto Pereyra, Federico Mancuello, Enzo Pérez.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tevez, Ángel Di María, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Nicolás Gaitán, Erik Lamela, Maxi Rodríguez.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald