Why is Paolo Guerrero, at almost 40 years old, our goal-scoring hope against Paraguay?

Not being at his best moment and reaching the final stage of his career, Guerrero continues to be one of the offensive options for the national team. That can be a problem because it confirms that we continue to depend on a footballer who has already given everything to the national team. The 'Predator' has nothing to prove on the field: he is the all-time leading scorer, played in a World Cup, and will be the first Peruvian to participate in his sixth consecutive qualifying round. But the circumstances changed after Lapadula's injury and the irregular present of the forwards selectable by Reynoso. Now, having Paolo in the team has become essential for what is to come.

Guerrero is not the only alternative, as Raul Ruidiaz and Alex Valera are also among the real options; however, here it is necessary to pause and analyze which one is best to face Paraguay. The task falls on Reynoso, who knows the technical and tactical qualities of the three players. But here, beyond the statistics that are the snapshot of each one's moment, the 'Predator' has an advantage over his teammates. And this is the hierarchy that his mere presence imposes on the field against his rivals.

Paolo has proven that physicality is important to stay playing at a higher demand for his age. He is a reference in LDU Quito, he started in six out of the seven matches he played, and he remains in high competition in the Copa Sudamericana, where he has a chance to reach the semifinals. All of that adds up, but goals are also important and in this regard, he owes, as he has only scored one goal. However, within the balance, what weighs more is the experience and what he transmits to the group. "We all know the quality of player that Guerrero is. His influence is indisputable. He is the team captain and we believe that he will make an effort, as he has always done, for the shirt," said Aldo Corzo about it.

It is clear that the national team needs Guerrero to solve an emergency situation, where Lapadula is absent, and there are no forwards of that caliber who can make a difference in the national team. We are still waiting for the appearance of Ruidiaz wearing the national team shirt, while Valera still needs more experience. Santiago Ormeño was mentioned, but the reality is that he does not fit in the same category as 'Bambino' and 'Predator'. Who should play in Asuncion? The answer is clear.

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