Garnacho hopes to feature in the Copa America this summer (Picture: Getty)
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni believes Alejandro Garnacho has a bright future with the national team after the Manchester United star started his first game for his country.
Garnacho has impressed for United in what has been his second season with the first-team this term, providing four assists and scoring seven – including his goal of the season contender against Everton in November.
Having opted to represent Argentina over Spain, the forward made his senior debut against Australia last summer.
The 19-year-old was named in the squad for friendly games against El Salvador and Costa Rica this month as the reigning world champions continue their preparations for this summer’s Copa America.
Garnacho came on for the second-half last week against El Salvador and was rewarded with a starting appearance in the early hours of Wednesday morning as La Albiceleste beat Costa Rica 3-1 in Los Angeles.
PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benitez and Inter Milan starlet Valentín Carboni also made their debuts in that game. Speaking after the win, Argentina boss Scaloni said he was pleased with the impact of the trio in testing conditions.
‘I’m happy for Walter (Benítez). He played a good game, the truth is that the game was not easy and we are happy,’ Scaloni said.
Scaloni was pleased with Garnacho’s performance in wet and physical conditions (Picture: Getty)
‘The same as Garnacho and Carboni. They are guys who can contribute to us and we will see in the future if they will be with us.
‘But I’m happy, it’s not easy to play with this shirt or with these rivals who make it difficult for you. We’re ok’.
Scaloni however also fired a warning to the squad ahead of this summer’s Copa America campaign, insisting only veterans Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria are guaranteed a spot in his squad at this stage.
‘In the world of football, one never knows,’ Scaloni said.
‘Guaranteeing a spot in the Copa América to none of those present here. Only to the one who didn’t come [Messi], the rest sweat it out. Well, ‘El Fideo’ [Di María] too. He also has it guaranteed.’
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