Lionel Scaloni hails Boca prospect Leonel Flores after dazzling Bolivia debut | OneFootball

According to Goal.com, Lionel Scaloni hailed Boca Juniors prospect Leonel Flores after an eye-catching senior debut against Bolivia in Cordoba, stressing the need to protect the 19-year-old’s long-term potential.

Introduced for Lisandro Martinez with 10 minutes left at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, the winger drove at defenders and almost marked the occasion with a volley from Roman Vega’s cross, only for Guillermo Viscarra to save. Argentina won the friendly 4-0.

Scaloni said youngsters are asked to reproduce their club form and that concern would arise only if they did not. He praised Flores for doing it well and insisted he must be managed carefully, adding that El Vasco Arruabarrena and El Mono Markic know how to handle him at Boca.

He called Flores a talent to be nurtured, alongside Franco Mastantuono, and urged calm about expectations. The coach added it would be incredible if the teenager produced every match what he showed in 10 minutes, but the staff will look after him.

Flores reflected that the debut was a childhood dream and thanked his family for their support, saying he wants to push on. He explained he was told to play as he does for Boca, approached it with composure and confidence, and felt happy with his minutes and personality.

The emphatic win sets up Argentina’s squad refresh before facing Burkina Faso on three October, then Lionel Messi’s farewell against Benin at the Estadio Monumental three days later. Flores’ vibrant cameo could bring further minutes if Scaloni rotates.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”