Although Club América will not have official activity this weekend, several of its players have already started to have activity with their respective national teams. Just as in Uruguay there was a good presence of azulcremas players, the Paraguay national team visited the Monumental Stadium to face Argentina, the reigning world champion. There, midfielder Richard Sánchez was a starter.
The 27-year-old midfielder is one of the most experienced players in Paraguay's new cycle, with Daniel Garnero as the new coach after Guillermo Barros Schelotto's departure. In his last appearance, Richard Sánchez was important for América's 2-1 victory over Mazatlán, in Matchday 12 of the Apertura 2023.
Richard Sánchez is also one of the possible departures that América will have in the next Clausura 2024, as his contract expires in June of next year and the management is not entirely clear on offering him a renewal. The midfielder's level has dropped in recent times but it is estimated that there could be several teams interested in signing him.
Richard Sánchez, portrayed by the Argentine midfield
However, Richard Sánchez did not have a good time in Paraguay's visit to Argentina. The hosts took the lead very quickly, thanks to a goal from Nicolás Otamendi, and from there they managed the advantage very well. The Albiceleste midfield, made up of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández, was too much for Richard Sánchez, who was overwhelmed by the quality and pace of the host team.
Richard Sánchez received a lot of criticism from the Paraguayan fans, as many consider that his cycle with the Albirroja is already over. After making his debut in 2018, the América midfielder has already made 30 appearances for his national team and has scored only one goal, against Argentina, his opponent this Thursday.
Richard Sánchez's numbers at América
Since joining América in 2019, Richard Sánchez has been able to play regularly, being an undisputed starter until the last campaigns. In total, the Paraguayan has accumulated 152 appearances with the América jersey, in which he has also scored 14 goals and provided 21 assists. In this Apertura 2023, he has played a total of 554 minutes in ten appearances.