The youngster Gallardo may start against Gimnasia de La Plata | OneFootball

The tension at River is so thick you could cut it with a knife. In a year that was already turning dark, the dagger of elimination from the Copa Argentina at the hands of Independiente Rivadavia has struck deep and intensified the Millonario’s crisis.

So, what now? The match against Gimnasia will be decisive, not only for the annual standings but also emotionally. The Monumental will speak in a heated atmosphere and, in that context, the coaching staff will prioritize those who can handle the widespread anger. To the surprise of many, a name that could break into the team is a youngster: Cristian Jaime.

Although the prevailing idea around Núñez is that the experienced players must “take responsibility”—as Marcelo Gallardo once told Juan Fernando Quintero—during this “shitty moment,” there’s also a small opening for boldness, audacity, and a young player who can break the mold.

The internal feeling in recent days, confirmed by his positive performance in the second half against Independiente Rivadavia, is that Jaime meets those conditions. They see him as “very good,” more mature in football terms, and with one-on-one skills that are currently scarce in River’s squad.

Those 45 minutes in Córdoba, where he was one of the few to earn approval (trying, taking on defenders, and pushing until the end) in an adverse football situation, put him in the running as a possible starter for Sunday’s match against Gimnasia.

As the week goes on (the toughest since Gallardo became River’s coach), a clearer picture will emerge regarding the eleven who will take the field at the Monumental after the Copa Argentina elimination. At this moment, Jaime’s current form gives him a real chance of being part of a team that will have to face the River fans.

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