Why do we miss Cueva and Flores so much in the national team and what are their chances of returning?

The reason why both did not participate in the first four qualifying matches is simple: the coach considers that they are not in their physical and footballing best. In addition, Reynoso understands that he has several options in their respective positions, so he has not considered them so far. However, Peru lacked inventiveness, development, and football since the competition began, qualities that Cueva and Flores possess. The intention is to reverse the current situation of the national team in the qualifiers and both players are alternatives that are available if the coaching staff requires it.

For example, Cueva is a creative midfielder that we all know. He has good football, dribbling skills, and inventiveness. He also knows what it's like to play in the qualifiers, so his experience weighs within the group. However, his physical condition is not the best and that was the main reason why Reynoso did not call him up. The coach opted for other options, such as Christofer Gonzales, Sergio Peña, Jairo Concha, and Piero Quispe, although the latter two have not played yet. Furthermore, André Carrillo also occupied the position of 'Aladdin', as a creative midfielder, in order to give the team play and mobility; but without success.

On the other hand, Flores has played as a left midfielder for the national team, making runs down the wing or getting involved in the game creation. He used to team up with Cueva, Yotún, or Trauco during the 'Gareca era'; but his current situation is not the best either. 'Orejas' tried to gain continuity at Universitario, where he alternated some matches in order to be called up by Reynoso; however, he was not called up either. The national team coach considered players like Marcos López, Bryan Reyna, Franco Zanelatto, and even Andy Polo (changed position) for that position; although none of them have been able to convince.

Should Reynoso call up Cueva and Flores?

Cueva (31) and Flores (29) are players with good technique, inventiveness, and remembered for what they did for the national team; but their current situation distances them from being considered by Reynoso. It is not true that the 'Cabezón' does not have options in their positions, but rather that the players he has do not have the same characteristics as Christian and Edison. In the place of 'Aladdin', players like Quispe or Concha offer a similar style of play and have a lot to prove, they just lack the opportunity. In the case of 'Orejas', on the other hand, the coach has already tried Zanelatto and Reyna, who have a more vertical and attacking style.

Reynoso has already said that he wants players who are 100% fit in his national team, and Cueva and Flores do not meet that condition. Under this panorama, it is difficult for both to return to the national team in November against Bolivia and Venezuela, but it is also a challenge they must take on if they want to play in the qualifiers. Either way, recovering their best version will not only benefit them and their respective teams, but also Peru, because the pool of players will grow and the coach's options to assemble his team will also increase. With them in the team, the national team played in a different way. The ball is also in their court.

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