Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada ‘has an enormous future,’ insists Argentina boss Luis Scaloni – as his late World Cup call-up sparks jubilant scenes with his family
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Argentinian national team head coach Luis Scaloni has pushed back against the claims that Thiago Almada should consider himself lucky to have made nation’s the World Cup squad.
The 21-year-old Atlanta United midfielder was called up to the squad as an injury replacement and will now play alongside high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Julian Alvarez, and others from across Europe’s top leagues.
‘Does Almada’s call-up surprise me? It doesn’t surprise me because he’s a player who has the level to be here. And hopefully the football world can enjoy him on the national team,’ Scaloni said.
Thiago Almada was called up late on to the Argentina squad as an injury replacement
Lionel Scaloni said Almada has skill level to be with squad and shouldn’t be seen as a surprise
‘He’s a kid with… an enormous future ahead of him,’ Scaloni added. ‘And we don’t just work thinking about right now, we work with the future in mind.’
Following his surprising transfer from Argentine Primera Division side Velez Sarsfield, for an MLS record $16millon.
In his debut season Almada recorded six goals and 12 assists that led to him earning his first international cap in a 3-0 international friendly victory over Honduras.
Messi also complimented the youngster after his first cap bysaying: ‘He’s very fast and he has a lot of one vs. one ability. He’s very clever and he’s not afraid of anything. He goes at you.’
Argentina will begin the World Cup by playing Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
They will then go on to play Mexico before closing out the group against Poland.
Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada chases a ball during game against Orlando FC in MLS action
Argentina coach Scaloni arrives in Doha for the FIFA Qatar World Cup, which starts on Sunday