Between sincerity and prudence: Did Paolo need to remember the level of Peruvian soccer? [OPINION]

“I am playing in a competitive football league. If they ask me about my age, I wouldn't be playing in a competitive football league. There are many Peruvian players who do not play in a competitive football league, which is the Peruvian league, obviously. I, at 39 years old, continue to play in a competitive football league. If you ask me that, it doesn't have much relevance because I have been playing in a competitive football league and I am fine,” said Guerrero in response to the question about his call-up. On more than one occasion it was commented that in a national team, only the best players should play. Regardless of age, career or the team where he is currently playing. And just as we believed that recently Paolo was more focused on his recovery and not in the level to be, even, in the play-offs against Australia (as some suggested), today we can say that he is a call-up football player based on what he has been doing in Racing Club.

The problem lies in his statements. Perhaps it was not the right place or time to say what is perhaps a sad truth. Because many people ask to see new faces in the national team, but the current situation tells us that there are no players who are really ready to take on the hot seat, put their chest out and assume the responsibility of playing in the World Cup qualifiers. The number of players we have abroad is decreasing and not to mention those who are in the premium leagues in the world, where we only have Renato Tapia and Alexander Callens in Spain and soon Gianluca Lapadula in Serie A.

It is no secret that our Liga 1 is one of the poorest in the continent. And that is confirmed every time we participate in international tournaments where, except for some very exceptional cases, we mostly make a fool of ourselves or set negative records. The players who make a difference at the local level should be valued. For example, Bryan Reyna did not have the responsibility of going from a humble team like Cantolao to the two-time champion Alianza Lima. That's why he is one of the few young players who are on Juan Reynoso's list for these friendlies in Asia.

Paolo Guerrero's statement, personally, should not have been made public. Because precisely many of his teammates, whom he has surely already embraced in their reunion, are playing in the not very competitive local league. Although it must be made clear that many of them decided that it should be that way, like Yoshimar Yotun, Carlos Zambrano and Christian Cueva himself. They have had options to continue playing abroad, but they chose to return home for continuity or simply to fulfill dreams, as the 'Lion' publicly said on more than one occasion.

I believe that no one can argue about what Paolo Guerrero has done for the Peruvian national team. If one has to assemble a historic starting eleven, the majority will surely include 'PG9'. However, as captain, hierarchy, and influence in this group of players, he must know how to differentiate between being sincere and being prudent. Especially in a moment where the climate is not the best and where the head should set an example and move everyone forward. His statements only generate more controversy and make people talk more about that than about football itself. It is time to be more united than ever. We will see.

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