Why do we celebrate the return to the fields of André Carrillo so much?

Two English words and an emoticon. Nothing else needed André Carrillo more than 85 thousand ‘likes’ in his latest Instagram post. Of course, the most important thing is the photo. Standing, with a look of concentration, training clothes and showing off the muscles of both legs, the Peruvian soccer player announced that he is almost ready to play again.

A back injury left him out of the last triple date by the Qualifying Qatar 2022 and, so far, from six games played by his club, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia. I had already advanced it Juan Carlos Oblitas at a press conference and the Arab team itself in a statement: Carrillo is close to returning.

Why the return of Carrillo It is celebrated as a triumph in both Peru and Arabia? Here is a look at what the man trained in Esther Grande Bentín and Alianza Lima has been doing.

Carrillo and his growth after Russia 2018

If it weren’t for the fact that the game was of little use – Peru was already eliminated – the date June 26, 2018 would be tattooed on André Carrillo’s body. That day, in the 18th minute of the first half, he scored a great goal against Australia in the World Cup in Russia. Something that Peruvians did not enjoy 36 years ago. He hit him from the right, with a remarkable category and to the furthest stick of the goalkeeper.

The Carrillo at that time played for Watford in the Premier League, he was not an undisputed starter and had only scored two goals in 30 games with the English team. In the selection he did have a fixed place in the eleven, but he was always asked to finish the plays better. And he was working on it. The goal against Australia was one of his first displays.

Everyone expected him to sign for a Top European team and he went to Saudi Arabia. He signed for Al-Hilal, the team with the most titles in that country, more fans and top-level footballers. Today it has Luciano Vietto (Argentina), Bafetimbi Gomis (France) and Moussa Marega (Mali) in its ranks. The manager is Leonardo Jardim, who won France’s Ligue 1 with Monaco in 2017.

In three seasons with Al-Hilal, Carrillo has scored more goals (14) than all his years at Sporting Lisbon (taking into account only leagues), he is a starter in the same position that Gareca puts it -extreme or offensive midfielder on the right- and has improved his numbers year after year. Last season was the best of his career: 7 goals in 29 games played.

André, a little further away from the press and enjoying an enviable family life, has also been concerned with improving his physique. He is seen with more hours in the gym, more powerful on the field and with more strength to withstand collisions with the fenders. Today, at 30 years old, he is in his ‘prime’.

Carrillo, a must in the national team

The statement is overwhelming: today, there is no other player at the level of André Carrillo in the national teamn. Not even Cueva and Lapadula, who are having a good time, are not on the same rung.

Carrillo is our best card in attack. It is not the best passer -there Cueva surpasses it- but yes the most unbalancing, fastest and most skilled footballer. With his movements, whether outside or inside, he is the one that does the most damage to rival defenses. With the possession of the ball or in counterattack, their plays are essential to reach the goal.

The numbers support his good present with Peru: from the Copa América 2021 until today, he is the selected one that has scored the most goals: 5 in total. Against Bolivia in La Paz and against Argentina in Buenos Aires, two games in which we did things correctly, but where we lacked that hierarchy above to score a goal, he was surprised.

Getting Carrillo back for the double date of November is a relief and also a reason to celebrate. The best of the national team returns for the two most important games of 2021. With him recovered, our chances of scoring 6 points with Bolivia in Lima and Venezuela in Caracas increase.