Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay got their Copa America campaign underway in the early hours of Monday morning with a 3-1 win over Panama, and Leeds United should be watching closely.
Darwin Nunez scored a fantastic brace as Uruguay eased to three points against a side they were always expected to win. They also face Bolivia and Brenden Aaronson’s USA in the Copa America group stage.
Bielsa has earned huge praise for his work as Uruguay manager since taking over, producing big wins over the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, often selecting players not often called-up by Uruguay.
Here are three of his Copa America squad that Leeds should consider this summer:
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Nicolas Marichal (Dynamo Moscow)
The 23-year-old has spent the last couple of seasons in Russia after starring at Uruguayan side Nacional. Called up by Bielsa and given a run out earlier this year with Uruguay’s U23 side, he has been included.
He was an unused sub against Panama as he awaits his first senior cap, but the versatile defender is more than capable of playing centre-back and right-back, or left-back and Leeds need a right-sided defender.
Jamie Shackleton could be about to join Connor Roberts and Luke Ayling in leaving Leeds while a move for Joe Rodon looks increasingly unlikely. The Dynamo defender would cover both positions at Leeds.
Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca)
Araujo got Uruguay’s campaign off to a flyer on Monday morning by scoring Uruguay’s first of three goals, lasting 90 minutes. Crysencio Summerville is expected to leave Leeds in the coming weeks.
With Jaidon Anthony gone and Willy Gnonto likely to join Summerville, Leeds need wingers and Araujo would be a super addition. The 24-year-old Toluca star was ‘sensational’ as Uruguay secured their win.
Not only would Araujo offer cover on the left flank, but also provide some much-needed back-up to Junior Firpo where he often plays for his club side. A wonderful signing but probably an ambitious one.
Brian Rodriguez (Club America)
After starring at MLS side LAFC, 24-year-old Rodriguez joined one of the biggest clubs in The Americas in Club America. He has since had a hand in 17 goals in 66 games for them, becoming a Uruguar regular.
Technically excellent, Rodriguez is able to play on the flanks and with Leeds needing numbers out wide, he would be a top addition. The winger, who cost America a fee of £4.75m, has tried Europe once before.
But a spell at Almeria did not go to plan. Now, a bit older and wiser, he might be the perfect addition Leeds need in the final third especially with the coaching received under the guidance of Bielsa.
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