Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, manager of the Uruguayan national team, announced squad for the 2024 Copa America tournament in the United States. The squad included a welcome surprise with the return of all-time leading scorer Luis Suárez, alongside Liverpool star Darwin Núñez, who will spearhead the attack for the team aiming to reclaim the continental title they last won in 2011.
Renewed ambitions from a generation that blends experience with youth
Uruguay enters the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title, relying on a balanced squad that blends the experience of veteran players with promising young talents. Alongside the return of Luis Suárez (37 years old), the Inter Miami striker who has been delivering outstanding performances in Major League Soccer, the team boasts other big names in European football such as Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid midfielder, and Ronald Araujo, the Barcelona defender, both considered cornerstones of coach Bielsa's plans. This mix reflects the coach's vision of building a team capable of competing strongly in the present and future, while maintaining the fighting spirit that has always characterized Uruguayan football.
Suarez's return... a strong message from Bielsa
The exclusion of Luis Suárez from Bielsa's first squad upon taking charge sparked widespread controversy, with many believing that "El Pistolero's" international career was over. However, Suárez's impressive performances with his American club and his crucial goals forced the Argentine coach to reconsider his decision. The return of the national team's all-time leading scorer is a huge morale boost for the team and a clear message that the door to the national team remains open to any player who proves his worth on the pitch, regardless of age. Suárez is expected to form a formidable attacking partnership with Darwin Núñez, giving La Celeste diverse attacking options and a potent threat in front of goal.
History of Uruguay's encounters with the Saudi national team
Despite the absence of a Copa America clash, Uruguay remains a historical rival for the Saudi national team, nicknamed "The Green Falcons," in international competitions. Their most notable encounter was in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Uruguay secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, with Luis Suárez scoring the winning goal. These past matches remain etched in the memories of Saudi fans, making it about Uruguay's squad particularly important
The complete squad list for the Uruguayan national team
Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Santiago Mele (Atletico Junior), Franco Israel (Sporting Lisbon).
Defense: Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Caceres (Club America), Nicolas Marechael (Dynamo Moscow), Matias Olivera (Napoli), Lucas Olaza (Krasnodar), Matias Viña (Flamengo), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo).
Midfielders: Nahitan Nandez (Cagliari), Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martinez (Midtjylland), Nicolas De La Cruz (Flamengo), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo).
Forwards: Agustin Canobbio (Atletico Paranaense), Bryan Rodriguez (Club America), Brian Ocampo (Cadiz), Facundo Pellistri (Granada), Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca), Cristian Oliveira (Los Angeles FC), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool), Luis Suarez (Inter Miami).
