Juan Francisco Palencia returns to Tri

Faced with the impending absence of Cuauhtemoc Blanco to address the last two dates of the qualifying round of CONCACAF, Javier Aguirre has taken another call from beyond the grave and decided to call Juan Francisco Palencia. Pumas striker returns to the Tricolor after two and a half years absence. His last participation record was remarkable, precisely, under the command of Ahmed in the 2002 World Cup. On that occasion, Paco figure came as the runner-up Cruz Azul after the Libertadores, but in Korea and Japan saw action only a few minutes, presumably due to a rift with coach.

Why just now returning to the combined Palencia Aztec? A priori, it seems the best choice to replace a man of the qualities of Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The only thing that could replace the Cuau (coupled with the absence of Gio by injury) would be Antonio Naelson "Sinha", but for some reason, seems Toluca vetoed the selection. As a midfielder, Ahmed could have recourse to Braulio Luna (another rookie), before reviving to Juan Francisco. In addition, the merits of Palencia are not enough. Although highlighted in the Concachampions in Pumas is relegated to the bench in league games. Other front, as Néstor Calderón Javier Hernandez or live a better football moment.

The call Palencia paracer point towards the locker room. A Javier Aguirre likes to have players who bring experience and claw from the inside. I left him clear to the convening of Luis Hernandez and Alberto Garcia Aspe in the 2002 World Cup. In this sense, Paco Palencia is the archetype of the player who requires Aguirre as support: a lot of grit, honor and commitment, able to infect their partners if the occasion warrants. Good decision, but please stop and revive dead or the next we will see as central defender Claudio Suarez!

Share this entry