:quality(75)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/elcomercio/IRJKUSUQ7NCE3N53UEJDZMYRJ4.jpg)
Undoubtedly, two important challenges are coming for the Peruvian National Team, as a prelude to the start of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers (we will debut against Paraguay in September): friendly matches against Japan and South Korea, to be played in June. With that in mind, Juan Reynoso is analyzing the possible call-ups for these games and the name of Raúl Ruidíaz is one that could appear. Despite not scoring with the national team since the friendly against Iceland in 2018, the 'Chess Player' trusts what he can offer in attack.
The coach filled the Seattle Sounders forward with praise in an interview with Latina. "He will shine in the important moments and when people least expect it. Raúl's quality is indisputable and when you see Raúl train, and what I'm about to say may make someone laugh, it's a spectacle, his teammates sit down to watch him define," he said.
Raúl Ruidíaz was one of the players called up for the friendly matches against Germany and Morocco, although he did not play in those matches. He did play in the matches against Mexico and El Salvador in September 2022, when the 'Cabezón' had his first tests as the national team's coach.
Another forward who also received positive comments from the coach was Paolo Guerrero. However, the big question is whether he will be called up, based on what he has been showing at Racing. Regarding this, Reynoso stated, "we all agree that if it's the best decision, then welcome, and if not, the shortest trip is in September. Once we start playing for points, I think it's undeniable that Paolo will contribute to us, especially when he's in good shape, and he is today."
More players under consideration
Another point that Juan Reynoso touched on was the possibility of having players who have recently acquired Peruvian nationality, as has happened with Bernardo Cuesta, Pablo Lavandeira, and Franco Zanelatto, with the latter being mentioned by the coach, in terms of the generational change that is sought in the national team.
"They are options, maybe Zanelatto considering his age, but I do want to point out that the Peruvian player has gone through all the national teams, that we mature late and that they have a good present now. We are looking for generational turnover, it would be foolish to keep insisting and not try out the younger ones," he said.
Receive our newsletter: we will send you the best sports content, as Depor always does.