Callejo, Argentine likened to Cano and ahead of Guerrero, poses threat to Flamengo | OneFootball

Facundo Callejo, widely seen as Peru’s form striker, is Cusco’s main hope for their Libertadores debut against Flamengo. The Argentine has outshone Guerrero, still playing at 42 with Alianza Lima, plus veteran Hernan Barcos and record signing Girotti, $1.6 million, R$ 8.8 million.

The tie is on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time at the Garcilaso de la Veja, 3,350 metres above sea level. "We know that if we want a place in the Libertadores last 16 we must be strong at home, and I appreciate the team’s attitude and responsibility for this match against the current champions," he told Depor.

In his first Cusco season he entered the club’s top five scorers and finished Peru’s league top scorer with 25 goals and three assists. He is regarded locally as the country’s leading centre-forward.

Like Cano, he bloomed late abroad. Cano rose at Independiente de Medellín at 30-31, while Callejo is peaking at 33 in Cusco.

Before Peru he played in Ecuador, Venezuela and Bolivia. In Argentina he came through at Cólon and had spells with Patronato, Santamarina, Gimnasia de Jujuy, All Boys and Temperley.

This year he has six goals in nine games, including four in his last three, and a supporter recently held up a "Gooool de Facu!!" sign.

His 2025 surge earned an extension after six months, taking his deal to the end of 2027. He has been linked with Sporting Cristal, but for now Cusco are pinning hopes on him against Flamengo.

Source: Globo.com