Serie A young midfielders power Uruguay’s World Cup run

Uruguay v France: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The Russian campaign of La Celeste ended in bitter fashion as their main weapon Edinson Cavani was unable to play against France due to a calf pull. Uruguay displayed impressive organization and incredible sturdiness, but could not respond to Les Bleus’ blows in the round of 8. Lucas Torreira, Matias Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Diego Laxalt and Martin Caceres had pretty important roles in Tabarez’s XI.

The defensive phase was the main focus of the Charruas’ not named Cavani or Luis Suarez, even though El Matador still tracked back a lot, and Torreira and Vecino, who started every game as the duo of central midfielders, had a prominent part in that mentality. Both very hard workers, they were at ease in the trenches and added their muscles and stamina to the cause. Sampdoria’s starlet does not have a lot of international experiences, but was still able to make his presence felt in the biggest stage. The Nerazzurro also tried to do damage with some long-range shots.

Rodrigo Bentancur was fielded mostly on the left flank, a position where they did not have many alternatives. His slow pace does not make him particularly suited to play there, but obviously you take all the minutes you can get in a World Cup. He had just a little more freedom to attack compared to Vecino and Torreira and provided a crucial assist to Cavani in the Portugal bout, perfectly setting him up outside of the box on a counter. He was often replaced to make room for a true winger like Cristian Rodriguez.

Diego Laxalt was often Bentancur’s partner on the left and he too provided some very energetic performances, cautiously pushing when there was the right opportunity and containing opposing attackers there. Martin Caceres was used either as a centre-back or as a right back and he is always ready to hustle and jostle when he is called upon. Overall, it was a good showing for the Serie A representatives.

On the transfer market, Torreira is expected to leave Sampdoria to join Arsenal shortly and the Blucerchiati brass recently confirmed the deal, secured few weeks ago and simply delayed by the World Cup. As of now, Vecino is expected to stay at Inter, but the club could consider selling him if they received a good offer and found a replacement at a reasonable cost. Bentancur will try to carve a bigger role for himself in Juventus’ crowded midfield, but it will not be easy.

How well do you International football? Want to challenge the best Serie A Fantasy Managers? Play www.fantasy-worldcup.com now!   

To leave a comment, you must be logged into www.eurofantasyleague.com