Uruguay is known to be an intriguing side in major tournaments. Historically they’ve been known to possess quality attackers and defenders. They’ve however fallen short when it comes to winning trophies.
Their Golden era of world-class attackers almost seems to be a wrap. Moreover, they seem to be unveiling more quality players in their country. With the experience and tactical ingenuity their Coach Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay looks to be a team worth to behold.
So far in the qualifications and preparations for the Copa America, Uruguay have shown they are a team to beat.
Their last friendly saw them pummel Mexico 4-0, with Liverpool star Darwin Nunez scoring a Hattrick. Also late last year, they defeated the World champions Argentina in the Copa America qualifiers 2-0.
In the 2022 World Cup Uruguay had poor ended their campaign failing to qualify for the knockout stages. However after the employment of Marcelo Bielsa as their Coach, it seems that the Uruguay team is now rejuvenated.
Uruguay Squad for 2024 Copa America
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Marcelo Bielsa has picked his best team from different leagues worldwide, ready to represent Uruguay in the tournament. Despite the ending of their golden era, he has called upon their old-timer iconic striker Luis Suarez.
Bielsa will be Hopeful that the Inter Miami star will use his experience to help them edge through the tournament.
Squad list
Goalkeepers
Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Santiago Mele (Atletico Junior, Franco Israel (Sporting Lisbon)
Defenders
Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Marichal (Dinamo Moscow), Matias Vina (Flamengo), Lucas Olaza (Krasnodar), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Sebastian Caceres (Club America), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Nahitan Nandez (Cagliari)
Midfielders
Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martinez (Midtjylland), Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
Forwards
Luis Suarez (Inter Miami), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool), Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense), Brian Rodriguez (Club America), Brian Ocampo (Cadiz), Facundo Pellistri (Granada, on loan from Manchester United), Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca), Cristian Olivera (LAFC)
Key Players
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Uruguay will be leaning on Barcelona’s Defender Ronald Araujo to lead them at the backline. The 25-year-old will be a crucial pillar in Uruguay’s defense. In the Midfield Uruguay will lean on the energetic and technical quality of Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.
The recent Champions League and La Liga winner has been pivotal for Los Blanco’s success this season. Bielsa will desire such influence from him.
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez is also an interesting key player for the team. As he is their major point man. Although he has had a fairly good season at Liverpool. Creating a lot of questions about his consistency. However, when he is in his game he is unplayable. Bielsa will crave that ability from him.
Finally their icon Luis Suarez. Uruguay will need one last dance from the Inter Miami star. Although he may not start all games. Moreover, the team will lean on him when his time to play arises
Talents to Look For
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Rodrigo Bentancur is an interesting player to look out for in the Uruguayan team. Although he has had a period of injury woes that weakened his form. However, on his fit day, he is an intriguing talent. Bielsa will be looking to utilize the Tottenham star.
Manuel Ugarte is also another talented star worth keeping an eye on. The PSG defensive midfielder is also a very interesting player. However, at PSG he was mostly underutilized. He mostly came off the bench for PSG.
But in his time at Sporting CP, he was class. Bielsa will hope he can get the class he displayed at Sporting CP once again.
Possible Formation and Tactics
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Bielsa is known for using the 4-2-3-1 formation. Using a 4 at the back, with traditional full-backs. Whilst in the midfield he employs the use of a double pivot. Ahead of the double pivot will be a right and left attacker. And a central free role 10 behind the point man.
For the double pivot, Bielsa will be leaning on Ugarte and Bentancur. However, this depends on how compatible the two will be. In the 3 ahead, he will position Valverde in a more attacking right side. De la Cruz and Pellistri most likely occupy the free role position and the left position respectively.
Finally, their forward line will be led by Nunez.
More to Come
Uruguay will start their Copa America campaign against Panama on the 24th of June. They’ll continue their campaign against Bolivia 4 days later. They’ll round up the group stage against the USA on the 2nd of July.
Bielsa will be hoping to help his side secure the Copa America for the 16th time.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
