Call for Selection Colombia: possible surprises of Néstor Lorenzo, friendlies Guatemala and Mexico | Colombia selection

Next September 24, Néstor Lorenzo will make his debut as coach of Colombia, in a friendly against Guatemala, at the Red Bull Arena in the USA. Three days later, he will take a second exam as sparring partner for Mexico, qualified for the Qatar World Cup, in Santa Clara, Calif.

True to the customs of yesteryear, when he was José Pekerman’s assistant in the national team, his first call-up will wait until this Thursday, when he will reveal his chosen ones at a press conference.

The expectation is total because while some ask to build on what has been built and not rule out a litter of players just because they could not qualify for the World Cup, others demand a refounding, a clean slate to start paving the way for the 2026 World Cup .

Lorenzo, present in various sports venues in the country in recent weeks, has a wide universe, but, according to his own statements, he would be closer to relying on historical figures such as Ospina, Cuadrado or even Falcao, to start a new path with them. Will he? It is a mystery that will wait until this Thursday. However, some names have emerged that could be the ‘sticks’ of the call and that would point to being the present but especially the future of national football. These would be the six unexpected aces in the deck:

Daniel Ruiz
21 years old, striker, left winger, left profile
4.5 million euros, according to Transfermarkt
The talent of Millonarios is one of the most outstanding players in the local League, fast, with a great dribble and a tremendous mid-range shot, as well as a great mentality for his age. Flaw? Maybe you should moderate your reaction to fouls and be more sacrificed on the mark. It would arrive due to Quintero’s absence, due to injury.

Andres Llinas
25 years old, central defender, right profile
2 million euros of valuation, according to Transfermarkt
He is one of the defenders with the best projection in local football, precise in closures, very strong in man to man and firm in the aerial game, in which he is also a card in attack. He was already in previous calls by Reinaldo Rueda in the senior team. Flaw? He can improve his agility.
the defender of the ‘albiazul’ team, who is one of the most promising defenders in coffee football

Juan David Cabal
21 years old, central defender, left profile
800 thousand euros of valuation in Transfermarkt
It was only to see him stand out in Atlético Nacional, cradle of export central defenders, for Hellas Verona to come for him and take him away. Very strong from above, fast in duels and safe in direct duels. Flaw? He has just gone to international football and is fully adapting, it may take time.

Jorge Carrascal
24 years old, attacking midfielder, right profile
9 million euros of valuation, according to Transfermarkt
The Cartagena left River Plate with the goal of taking revenge in Europe, where he was very young and did not have the best experience. A case similar to that of Santos Borré. Now, at CSKA Moscow, he has become a figure and is also a natural replacement for James, without continuity, and Quintero, injured. Good pass, better shot on goal. Flaw? He has always been criticized for being a ‘lagunero’, that he disappears for parts of the game, but his mentality in Russia has changed in recent months.

Oscar Estupinan (Hull City)
25 years old, center forward, left profile
3.5 million euros valuation at Transfermarkt
In the 8 games he has played for Hull City between the EFL Championship (England’s second division) and the Carabao Cup, he has scored 7 goals, including a hat-trick against Coventry City and a brace against Norwich and Albion. In addition, he adds an assist. The man from Cali is in the best moment, he added experience in England and asks for a track for continuity and performance. Flaw? He hasn’t been in the process… but it’s never too late when it comes to solving Colombia’s terrible goal mess.

Jhon Arias (Fluminense)
24 years old, winger, left winger, right profile
4 million euros valuation.
The Chocoano is one of the most regular players in Brazilian soccer, a tremendous running mate for center forward Germán Cano (former DIM) and has a good mid-distance shot and location. Flaw? His conditions are very similar to those of Luis Díaz. In fact, he plays in his position.
​