If there were two names that shook the blue and white market at the start of the Apertura tournament, they were Jairo Concha and Paolo Guerrero. Firstly, because he did not agree to a contract extension with Alianza Lima and decided to sign with the classic rival. University of Sports; while the second, after he was free after his successful stint in LDU Quitoexplained that he would have liked to go to a Victorian store, but in the end he did not receive a call and signed his degree at César Vallejo University.
Names that a priori would be difficult to replace, because Jairo Concha has secured a place in the blue and white team, he has been champion twice and runner-up in three consecutive years. Who wouldn't want Paolo Guerrero? The 'Predator' has a track record that holds him in the highest regard, including being Copa Sudamericana champions. However, in Alianza Lima they did not despair and found it Sebastian Rodríguez j Cecilio Waterman.
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The Uruguayan, who arrived with good results after his time at Peñarol, started a little out of rhythm, but against Alianza Atlético de Sullana he showed his best version and not necessarily in the position that gives the best performance, namely “10”, because he began the engagement as an anchor in midfield and was responsible for taking possession of the ball and distributing it to all his teammates.
When Alejandro Restrepo sent him to play from his natural position, Rodríguez gobbled up the field. Despite the intense heat in Piura, the soccer player made progress on the field, scoring an incredible huacha and helping to build a great wall Jhamir D'Arrigo and sealed the victory with a definition of the slow exit of goalkeeper Diego Melián. Although the Uruguayan has not yet returned to his best, he has already made it clear that he will be very helpful and has been the player in midfield that the team needed. This “leap in quality”.
On the other hand, Cecilio Waterman He had the difficult task of silencing his critics, who had criticized him on the basis of his nationality long before his arrival. But every time he had to wear the Alianza Lima jersey, the Panamanian became a giant and not only through his efforts but also through his goals, he began to win the affection of all fans. So much so that many have already forgotten Paolo Guerrero.
Against César Vallejo University, when the score was 1-0 for the Poets, Waterman equalized with a powerful header from the penalty spot. Against Alianza Atlético in the heat of Sullana he made it clear that he also knows how to use his feet. The striker took advantage of a strange pass from Ricardo Lagos to go over his sign and pinpoint the near post. No doubt the “Waterman” will be a talking point as he begins to pay for his attitude with goals.
To be more precise: Next week, on Saturday February 10th to be precise, both players will have their litmus test in the Peruvian football classic. Alianza Lima hosts the Universitario de Deportes at the National Stadium and both Waterman and Rodríguez will have to confirm their good moment in Liga 1 2024.
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What did Sebastián Rodríguez say after Alianza Lima's win against Alianza Atlético?
After the end of the game, Sebastián Rodríguez referred to the goal he scored with Jhamir D'Arrigo and also the different positions he took on the field, said coach Alejandro Restrepo.