Racing Club will head into the Copa Sudamericana final this Saturday with five wins in their last five games in all competitions.
Impressive wins over Corinthians, Athletico Paranaense and Huachipato in the knockout rounds have taken La Academia to their first international final for the first time in over 30 years.
With an abundance of talent on show in Asunción this Saturday, our Argentinian writer, Albert Hilton, has picked out the three Racing players to keep a close eye on.
Juanfer Quintero (AM)
The most obvious and well known pick on this list, Juan Fernando Quintero, is a name most avid football watchers will be familiar with.
Already a Libertadores hero for River Plate, Juanfer Quintero knows what it’s like to perform on the biggest stage, something his younger teammates may appreciate during what’s sure to be a fiery contest on Saturday.
In terms of what Quintero can bring on the pitch in the final, expect the Colombian to be in the thick of the action whenever possible, pulling the strings in behind Adrian Martinez with his delicate but deadly feet.
A dead ball specialist, as seen against Uruguay in the most recent international break, Quintero’s style of play is a dying breed in the modern game - a true magician capable of unnerving any defence.
His two goals - and man of the match performance - in the semi-final second leg against Corinthians are the reason why Racing will play in the final this weekend.
With eight goals and as many assists in 2024, it would be no surprise to see Quintero’s name on the score sheet come the end of the game.
Juan Nardoni (CM)
Another player who shone in the semi-final against Corinthians was 22-year-old midfielder, Juan Ignacio Nardoni.
The tireless working midfielder registered the highest pass percentage among the Racing players over the two legs and in the decisive second-leg he recorded more interceptions than anyone else on the pitch.
In the reverse fixture against Corinthians he was tasked with keeping a certain Memphis Depay quiet- a job he excelled at.
Nardoni is an out-and-out central midfielder, an all rounder in many ways, where he excels in winning the ball back using his strength, before showing enough composure and vision to take on a man and pick out a pass.
This could be a career defining performance for the young Argentine, who could attract European suitors if he shows a similar level against Cruzeiro as he has done throughout the Sudamericana.
Adrian ‘Maravilla’ Martínez (ST)
Inheriting his nickname from Argentine boxer, Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martínez, the Racing striker knows what it really means to fight.
The Argentine’s career path saw him enter football late in life, bypassing ever experiencing the benefits of playing in a professional academy.
In fact, at 21-years-old, Martínez’ dreams of going pro seemed all but over as he was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the house of the man who shot his brother.
Upon returning from six months in jail, Martínez had a trial and was eventually signed by Argentine third division club, Defensores Unidos.
Nothing has come easy for the striker after his early troubles, and he’s had to take a long road to work his way into one of the biggest clubs in South America, going from the Argentine third division, to Paraguay, to Brazil, then finally making his Primera División debut at 30-years-old with Instituto.
Yet Racing saw something within the forward and they took a chance on him. Martínez rewarded them instantly with not only goals, but build-up play which suits their system and a strong work ethic rarely seen in the modern game.
Now the most prolific striker in Argentina and the Sudamericana, scoring 28 goals in 46 games this year, it’s now his chance to finally get his hands on silverware.
Comentários