River’s surprise youngster to play in Copa Argentina semi-final tonight | OneFootball

In a squad filled with big names and multi-million dollar signings, Santiago Lencina is one of the young players who has been gaining ground in Marcelo Gallardo’s consideration. The 20-year-old kid could be one of Muñeco’s surprises in tonight’s crucial match against Independiente Rivadavia, in the semifinals of the Copa Argentina.

With stars like Enzo Pérez (back after the knee cut suffered against Palmeiras), Kevin Castaño (a regular call-up for the Colombian National Team), or Ignacio Fernández (a club legend) without a guaranteed spot, the player from Chaco appears to have a strong chance of starting in a match that has no second leg and could determine the team’s fate for the year.

Lencina has been among the starting eleven in the last two matches: in the loss to Sarmiento (substituted in the 61st minute) and in the win over Talleres (came off at halftime). Although he is usually Muñeco’s first substitution when he starts, he is also a recurring alternative. In fact, he is one of the few who has featured in the last 11 matches, although only three as a starter.

With his ability to link up play, skill to break the lines, and goal-scoring power, the left-footer presents himself as a good connection between the midfielders and the attackers, with defensive responsibilities but the freedom to link up with Juan Fernando Quintero in the creative phase.

Considering it’s Gallardo, it’s hard to guarantee that Lencina will start. While he seems to be a step ahead of his competitors for the spot, he could also begin on the bench. The official lineup will only be confirmed an hour before kickoff.

If he doesn’t play, that spot could be filled by Enzo Pérez, Kevin Castaño, Ignacio Fernández, or Giuliano Galoppo. Among the first two, in any case, one will start alongside Juan Carlos Portillo.

Probable River lineup vs. Independiente Rivadavia Franco Armani; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuña; Enzo Pérez or Kevin Castaño, Juan Carlos Portillo, Santiago Lencina; Juan Fernando Quintero; Sebastián Driussi or Facundo Colidio and Maximiliano Salas.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.