Surprise youngster to feature for River in Copa Argentina semi-final | OneFootball

In a squad filled with big names and expensive 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, for the semifinals of the Copa Argentina.

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

Lencina has started in the last two matches: in the loss to Sarmiento (substituted at 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, though only three as a starter.

With associative ability, skill for breaking the lines, and a knack for scoring, the left-footer presents himself as a good link between the midfielders and the attackers, with defensive responsibilities but the freedom to connect with Juan Fernando Quintero in the creative phase.

Considering this is Gallardo, it’s hard to guarantee that Lencina will be a starter. While he seems to be a step ahead of his competitors for the spot, he could also start on the bench. Only an hour before the match will it be officially confirmed.

If he doesn’t play, that spot could be taken by Enzo Pérez, Kevin Castaño, Ignacio Fernández, or Giuliano Galoppo. Among the first two, 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.