With Lapadula without an ideal partner and a daring Grimaldo: the UnoxUno of a Peru that arrives at the Cup with seven positions in debt

We can be optimistic and see the glass half full against a rival like El Salvador that, without disdain, seemed like the perfect sparring partner to make Jorge Fossati’s Peru stand out with a level typical of a top team. Or at least not as one peruvian team May he win with fairness. In that effort to pile up good news, the name of Edison Flores as the ultimate personification of hope and Joao Grimaldo with small sparks of joy. The ‘Ears’, who reinvented himself in the forward position a long time ago, once again reminded us that this combination of experience and talent, even if it is little by little, is enough to make a difference. Especially against an opponent whose offensive record was zero. If there was a team against which it was possible to concentrate efforts on generating offensive play through a well thought out and short pass, it was the Central American team. But let the game end with the Subaru Park stands shouting for the entry of Christian Cueva -who has not stepped on the field for eight months- is the most concrete evidence of how ready this team is for the Copa América.

We must err on the side of excessive enthusiasm to say that Peru improved qualitatively because, unlike the match against Paraguay, against El Salvador they did dare to reach the opponent’s goal through a direct shot. Without problems in the defensive tasks, the Bicolor only had to concentrate on practicing their virtues in the offensive game. He tried, but without precision or lucidity to finish on top. As a result of not knowing what to do with the ball, Gianluca Lapadula barely participated actively in the game in the first quarter of an hour, a period in which he barely touched the ball twice.

• Lapadula’s numbers against El Salvador

What do we do with the ball?

The big problem continues to be good decisions. With Sergio Peña as a mixed team and Piero Quispe having the responsibility of making the team play, Peru’s lack of efficiency in reaching the goal was masked by Peña’s own long-distance shots, passing through Cartagena or even Advíncula. The good habit would begin with ‘Orejas’, who almost beat goalkeeper Mario González after 14 minutes.

If against Paraguay it was necessary to retreat and pay attention to the rival counterattack, the anguish against El Salvador came from facing an opponent who backed down. Dóniga’s team gave the ball to Peru knowing they were incapable of putting the game together, but also knowing how much it has cost us for a long time to build with depth and vertigo.

Thus, the goal came more due to defensive limitations than due to attacking merit. Being well positioned and a string of rebounds led to Edison Flores scoring 1-0, so much so that instead of providing relief and air to elaborate more and better, it ended up being a reminder that the difference between both teams was minimal.

It is difficult to evaluate Wilder Cartagena, Renato Tapia’s natural replacement in the Cup, against a rival who demanded the minimum of him. We will have to wait for Chile’s rigor to verify that he can assume the role of ‘Captain of the Future’. Until then, it is clear that this Peru only has clear accounts from the midfield down: Gallese, Araujo, Callens and Zambrano are the chosen ones. The bet on Luis Abram this Friday is not enough to trust that he will start in the cup debut.

From then on everything gets cloudy. It is true, Gianluca Lapadula has the starting job assured on offense, but his lack of success will continue to be repetitive as long as he does not find partnerships that encourage him so that his enormous effort and dedication do not remain an anecdote.

Meters further back, Edison Flores resonates for his ability to finish from a distance. He is more vertical and confrontational than Quispe, who repeats the problem: he does not generate. He has a hard time going forward or finding the pass, his game is more focused on transfer, but he always seems to be looking for someone else to assume the decisive role in the last few meters. That this same thing has been noticed in El Salvador is worrying.

The feint with Cave

This Saturday it will be known if Christian Cueva finally joins the squad that will compete in the Copa América. That Fossati played with the idea of ​​adding minutes against El Salvador leaves the doubt open. ‘Aladdin’ is not at the level to become the solution to so many problems, exposing it after eight months without playing could be counterproductive. However, the anguish of not finding better options may drag the coach to have the former Alianza Lima.

The question arises whether the alternative will end up being to reset the previous style of play to bet on another with less ‘chocolate’ and more vertigo. In both cases, it is already evident that we do not have the breadth of players that allows us to try different paths. This is where it is time to see the wisdom of ‘Nono’. This Friday the 21st, Gareca’s Chile, renewed and strong, awaits us as the first great thermometer. Even worse, because we will face a coach who surely knows this team better than Fossati himself. Which means recognizing more easily the virtues that we lost and the weaknesses that we inherited since the failed playoffs.

Between debts and more doubts

That Edison Flores declares after the game that the group is having a hard time adapting to the 3-5-2 in the offensive game, gives clear signs that Peru is not having a good time and this obvious inability to create may end up generating a block of ideas resulting from stress.

Peru has not forgotten to play, rather it has lost its main performers such as Trauco, Yotún and Cueva; possibly the most efficient footballers in previous stages. The new system also complicates the search for cleaner production. However, the doubt remains that it is ‘Orejas’ who is Lapadula’s companion and not Bryan Reyna.

It also remains to be seen if Andy Polo will finally be on the right wing and Luis Advíncula will try on the left. Both players of average level when they have been really demanded. In the midst of this sea of ​​speculation, Oliver Sonne has not shown much either, not even against El Salvador, against whom he played more than 20 minutes. On the other hand, the daring entry of Joao Grimaldo awakens a certain excitement, lying on the left wing and looking to face and break lines. He could end up being a variant to Quispe or a second alternative to the attacking companion. But that’s the problem. We still cannot recite an eleventh by heart. There are at least three games left for coach Jorge Fossati to give unequivocal signs that, at least, this Copa América serves for minimal progress.

Let’s remember, the main objective is the six Playoff matches that await us in the last months of the year. Peru’s ability to stay alive in the fight for a World Cup spot will depend on them. Put together a team that has been adrift for almost two years in terms of style, system and suitable performers; It is Fossati’s great task. From today on, time is also a rival on that path.

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