After a fine performance off the bench a couple of days ago, one of Manchester United’s most in-form players could be rewarded with a first ever start for his national team tonight.
And few would argue that he doesn’t deserve it.
So impressive since the turn of the year – and with a dazzling performance in that FA Cup triumph over Liverpool still fresh in the memory – Manchester United’s teen sensation Alejandro Garnacho is emerging as a potential joker in the Argentina pack ahead of this summer’s Copa America.
In the absence of one Lionel Messi, Garnacho stood out during his longest outing yet in the Albiceleste during last week’s 3-0 victory over El Salvador, a mature and ‘electric’ 45-minute display off the bench earning him plenty of praise from the local press.
The World Cup winners play Costa Rica on Tuesday night. And Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has admitted that a maiden start on the international stage is a very real possibility for Man United’s twinkle-toed number 17.
Another milestone for Manchester United wonderkid
“We are going to make five or six changes,” Scaloni tells Mundo Albiceleste. “I would like to give (PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper) Walter Benitez the chance. That Garnacho can play among the starters is a possibility.
“When a new kid comes in, we need to see how he gets along and how he understands his team-mates. The training (sessions) are useful, but it is very important to see them in the matches and these friendly matches help with that.
“I want to continue to enjoy the process and all the moments.”
Garnacho, still only 19, continues to develop at a rate of knots under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. He’s reached double figures for goals and assists this term, and broke a Premier League record when he won two penalties in the first-half during the recent 2-0 victory over Everton.
And with Messi and Angel di Maria now in their mid-30s, Garnacho is emerging as a potential leader of the next generation of Argentinian football.
Alejandro Garnacho has ‘enormous potential’
“I have faced them (Garnacho and Brighton youngster Facundo Buananotte),” admits Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristiano Romero. “And I know they have enormous potential.”
Garnacho has started every Premier League game under Erik ten Hag since the beginning of November, relegating Antony to the bench.