Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía was already being told to keep his phone switched on in case Argentina needed reinforcements for the World Cup.
Now he has received backing from one of the country’s most recognisable football voices.
Buendía was left out of Lionel Scaloni’s final 26-man squad despite ending the season in excellent form. The midfielder played a major role in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph and finished the campaign looking closer to his best after his long recovery from an ACL injury.
Recent reports from Argentina claimed the Villa player had been asked to delay his holidays and remain available in case injuries forced late changes to the squad.
That debate has now intensified following comments from former Argentina international Diego Latorre.
“Buendía should come in”
Speaking on ESPN Argentina, Latorre argued that Buendía should be the player called up if Scaloni decides changes are necessary.
“What I have as information is that Balerdi’s replacement is not in the United States,” he said before discussing possible alternatives.
Latorre then turned his attention to Buendía.
“I think if there is one player Scaloni may still be thinking about, this is the perfect opportunity. If he still has doubts about Buendía or Perrone…” he said.
The former Argentina midfielder was particularly complimentary about Buendía’s performances for Aston Villa.
“Buendía’s season was extraordinary, extraordinary,” Latorre stated. “It’s true there is a lot of competition in that area and there are already established starters. But even Buendía’s final stretch at Aston Villa was extraordinary. Really extraordinary.”
Aston Villa form becomes the argument
That praise is significant because it mirrors the argument many Villa supporters would make. And Latorre believes his Europa League performances deserved greater recognition.
When asked directly whether Buendía should be brought into the squad, he left no room for doubt.
“I have no doubt,” he said. “For me, Buendía should come in.”
“He’s a very complete midfielder. He scores goals, he has a lot of goals in him and a very good shot from distance.”
Latorre acknowledged the obvious counterargument. Argentina already have players such as Thiago Almada and Nicolás Paz competing for similar attacking midfield roles.
Yet that did not change his opinion.
“They can tell you all that,” he said. “But I’ve followed Buendía closely throughout the season. For me, he’s a player who has to be there and should have been among the 26.”
Whether Scaloni agrees remains to be seen. However, after being told to remain available and now receiving public backing from a respected former international, Buendía’s World Cup story may not be completely finished just yet.
