Senesi in US to replace Balerdi: ‘A World Cup is every kid’s dream’ | OneFootball

Marcos Senesi arrived in Kansas City in the early hours of Saturday to immediately join the Argentina national team’s training camp. The defender was urgently called up by Lionel Scaloni to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi, and he did not hide his huge excitement as he got off the plane: “Playing in a World Cup is everything, the dream of any kid when he starts kicking a ball around in the neighborhood,” he said in his first remarks to the press.

The new Tottenham signing was on vacation in Ibiza with his partner when he received the call from the coaching staff. Despite the unexpected change of plans, the former San Lorenzo player made his mindset for what lies ahead very clear:“I’m very happy, truly delighted with this chance. The goal now is to make the most of the opportunity.”

Amid his joy over the call-up, Senesi took a moment to express support for his injured teammate.“First of all, I want to send a big hug to Flaco, who is going through a very difficult situation. I wish him a speedy recovery,” he said sincerely in reference to Balerdi.

Lionel Scaloni’s decision to choose the 29-year-old left-footer was no coincidence. In addition to covering for the absence of the Olympique de Marseille center back, the coaching staff was also looking for alternatives because of the muscle issue Nicolás Tagliafico has been dealing with. Senesi, who has spent four seasons established at the highest level of the Premier League after his spells at Feyenoord and Bournemouth, offers the coach valuable tactical versatility, as he can play both as a center back and as a left back.

To arrive in peak physical condition, the defender continued training on his own during his days off in Spain. After being informed of the call-up, he began a long air journey to the United States with stopovers in Frankfurt and Chicago. Although his mind is already on his next club challenge with Tottenham, the defender will first focus on fulfilling the greatest dream of his professional career at this World Cup.

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