Uruguay have named a star-studded squad for their upcoming FIFA international window, with some of the biggest names in world football set to feature against India on October 6.
The squad announcement, made on September 5, marks the beginning of a new era under head coach Diego Forlán, who has taken charge of Uruguay’s senior national team and Under-20 side following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure.
Real Madrid midfield maestro Federico Valverde headlines the squad and will be joined by a host of established internationals, including Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araújo and Brian Rodríguez.
Uruguay’s defensive unit is equally impressive, with Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez, Nahitan Nández, Guillermo Varela, Mathías Olivera and Sebastián Cáceres named among the defenders.
The goalkeeping department features Santiago Mele, Cristopher Fiermarín and Ignacio de Arruabarrena, while the attack boasts considerable firepower. Darwin Núñez leads the forward line alongside Miguel Merentiel, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas, Martín Satriano and Álvaro Rodríguez.
Forlán begins his tenure with considerable expectations. A Uruguay legend, the former striker won the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball and helped his country lift the 2011 Copa América. He scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay during his international career.
His illustrious club career included spells with Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, while Indian football fans will also remember his stint with Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League.
Now on the touchline, Forlán faces a very different challenge as he looks to shape Uruguay’s next generation while maintaining the competitive standards associated with La Celeste.
With Valverde, Núñez, Ronald Araújo and Giménez among the headline names, Uruguay’s squad offers a formidable combination of experience, quality and emerging talent.
Kolkata is set for a major football spectacle on October 6, when the star-studded Uruguay side takes on India, coached by Khalid Jamil. For Indian football fans, the encounter promises a rare opportunity to watch some of the world’s biggest stars in action on home soil.
(Inputs from AIFF)
